Custom monitors check Italian train times

GDS is currently completing the installation of 1400 passenger information display (PIDS) monitors for Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), the state-owned Italian rail service.

GDS is currently completing the installation of 1400 passenger information display (PIDS) monitors for Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), the state-owned Italian rail service.

Ansaldo, a company that sources product and services for FS, approached GDS in September 2001.

Ansaldo wanted a local supplier (GDS has a Factory in Italy) with a good reputation for supplying reliable and cost-effective PIDS across Europe (GDS PIDS are installed across Europe including a number of Italian airport installations).

The brief from Ansaldo was for an easy-to-maintain, and cost-effective PIDS, that is IP32 (meaning it can be used outdoors) supplied with a long-term guarantee, from a reliable source.

The Italian GDS team designed and developed a distinctive monitor for FS.

The double-chambered monitor is sealed to IP32, and made almost completely from brushed and painted, stainless steel, housing anti-vandal glass.

T he extremely strong and durable unit has a 15-year warranty (including the paintwork).

The monitors feature a choice of installation positions.

They are easy to install with specially designed brackets that are interchangeable and so can be hung from a pole, wall or ceiling according to the railway station, without the need for different fittings.

Once installed, the monitor can be angled for easy passenger readability according to its position and the direction and angle of sunlight.

Centralised information download displays can be remotely driven by RS32 system so information can be downloaded and changed from a centralised serial port.

The contract also included developing and installing monitors for the ticketing offices (made from zinc plates, these were designed with a page-turning button making it easy for the operator to quickly view information on different pages) and smaller monitors for the tunnels connecting the stations.

Mariano De Vecchi (GDS PIDS Product Manager) comments "This project has been very interesting to the PIDS team here, and has demonstrated our experience and innovative technical skills to produce a high performance, cost effective and reliable product, which goes above and beyond the customer's needs.

We look forward to continuing to work with Ansaldo over the coming years".

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