Initial deployment will introduce accessible onboard passenger information across 20 vehicles, with the potential for a wider fleet rollout.
Rise Digital Media is working with Gateshead Central Buses to deploy the NextStop® Passenger Information system across an initial 20 vehicles in its Gateshead fleet.
The rollout will provide passengers with clear audible and visible information throughout their journeys, including route, destination and upcoming-stop announcements.
By coordinating onboard displays and audio announcements through one connected system, NextStop will help make essential journey information easier to access for all passengers, including those with visual or hearing impairments.
The project will also support Gateshead Central Buses as it responds to the requirements of the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023.
A Scalable Approach to Accessible Information
The initial 20-vehicle deployment has been structured to provide a practical foundation for future expansion.
Following the first phase, Gateshead Central Buses will assess the opportunity to introduce NextStop across further vehicles within its fleet.
NextStop’s flexible architecture allows passenger-information technology to be deployed progressively. Operators can begin with a defined group of vehicles before extending the same platform, route information and operational controls across a wider fleet.
This approach helps operators manage the practical requirements of vehicle assessment, hardware installation, route configuration and staff onboarding while maintaining a consistent passenger experience.
Clearer Information for Passengers
NextStop delivers coordinated audible and visual passenger information onboard each equipped vehicle.
Depending on the route and vehicle configuration, the system can provide:
Route and destination information
Automatic next-stop announcements
Visual upcoming-stop information
Audible passenger announcements
Service and disruption messages
Cloud-managed route and content updates
The system is designed to provide passengers with consistent information without requiring the driver to manage routine announcements manually.
Operational teams can configure and manage route content centrally, allowing information to be maintained across multiple vehicles through one connected platform.
Clearer Information for Passengers
Early feedback from Gateshead Central Buses has been extremely positive.
Timothy Flatt, Lead Engineer at Gateshead Central Buses, said:
“It’s got to be said, I’m very impressed. Working spot on and better than any system I’ve previously used at other operators I’ve worked for.”
Supporting the Complete Deployment
Rise Digital Media is supporting Gateshead Central Buses throughout the rollout, including vehicle assessment, hardware selection, route and announcement configuration, implementation planning, onboarding and training.
Once deployed, the system can be managed and updated remotely, helping the operator maintain consistent passenger information as routes, stops and operating requirements change.
Scott James, CEO and Founder of Rise Digital Media, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Gateshead Central Buses on this initial 20-vehicle rollout.
“Accessible passenger information should be clear, dependable and straightforward for operators to manage. NextStop has been designed to combine the passenger-facing technology with the operational tools needed to configure, monitor and support it effectively.
“The feedback from Timothy and the team is particularly encouraging given their practical experience with other systems. This first phase provides Gateshead Central Buses with a scalable foundation, and we look forward to supporting the team as it evaluates a wider rollout across the fleet.”
Building a More Connected Passenger Experience
Gateshead Central Buses has served its local community for more than three decades. The NextStop deployment represents a further investment in the information and technology available to passengers using its services.
For Rise Digital Media, the project forms part of a growing programme of fixed and portable passenger-information deployments with UK transport operators.
NextStop connects passenger-information screens, audible announcements, vehicle technology and cloud-based operational tools within one platform. It can support individual vehicle installations, phased deployments and wider fleet programmes. More information about fixed and portable NextStop Passenger Information technology is available at: https://www.risedm.com/services/passenger-information/
Operators interested in discussing accessible passenger information or arranging a demonstration can contact Rise Digital Media through the website or email info@risedm.com
