They've put up these new television screens in the line 38 buses -- apparently the 38 is one of the testing lines for this new navigation and entertainment system. Two flat-screens hang down from strategic positions on the bus, offering a variety of information: the name of the upcoming stop, possible intersecting bus lines, GPS images of the route we're taking, and so forth. This is all very fancy, and I like having the visual guide along the way - especially on a bus whose route I don't have memorized.
My favorite part, however, is when the Parisian bus-TV-maker-people decided to "mix it up" a little bit and provide little tidbits of information alongside the more practical transportation info on the screen. I couldn't help but notice how overwhelmingly French their little newsflashes were. The ones I took mental note of were:
1. How to tell when your meat is perfectly grilled, and the dangers of overcooking your meat.
2. Which wines are most sought after at the moment
3. Fish - it's what's for dinner. But what should the side dish be?
I couldn't help but think that the American equivalent of something sort of in-transit entertainment/information system would most likely feature sports scores instead of gastronomical advice.
ETA: They have apparently put these in on the metro line 1, too, but I haven't seen them. Anybody else?
Ugh. They had just started doing that whole thing in the buses & trains in Atlanta when i left. You're right about the info content: sports scores, stock reports, CNN.
I like that you get the bus route. That's one thing that has always made me dislike buses: you're supposed to know where you're going and what it looks like before you ever see it.
I'm curious, though: what ARE the dangers of overcooking one's meat? ;-)
That would certainly be a welcome addition. I've seen metro cars and busses which indicated the next stop, but connecting lines would be great.
I think I saw the TVs on line 1 last time I was in town, but one thing I noticed that frapped me the most was the quai barrier on line 13 at St-Lazare. It's similar to what they've got on line 14, but shorter and just less fancy-looking. I wonder if they're only doing it to prevent suicides or if there's some other reason...
The American equivalent would put the bus route/information in the little newsflash box -- the main area of the screen would be displaying ads.
on metro line 1? really? haven't seen them actually.
speaking of line 14, oh i love that line.