SmartPanel screens have been trialled in the foyers of public buildings, organisations and large employers in and around Cambridge city centre since 2018, offering tailorable travel and other information for employees and visitors.

With funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, new travel information screens have also been installed in market town libraries in Chatteris, Ely, Huntingdon, March, Ramsey, St Ives, Whittlesey and Wisbech, in Soham Co-Op, the Priory Centre in St Neots and at New Shire Hall in Alconbury.

The SmartPanel demo screens in Cambridge offices display live bus and train times specific to the location, together with road traffic maps, travel updates on Twitter, and weather reports.

To find out more about the demo SmartPanel watch our video below:

The SmartPanels were developed in collaboration with the University of Cambridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are SmartPanel screens?

Demo SmartPanel screens have been trialled in the foyers of public buildings and large employers offering real-time and static travel data and other useful information for staff and visitors, which can be customised to the location.

What information can the screens display?

SmartPanel screens can show:

  • Live bus positions & times
  • Train departure times
  • Google traffic maps
  • Weather forecasts
  • Twitter timelines
  • Static messages
  • Other webpages
Where are the screens being trialled?

Demo SmartPanels are installed in the following locations:

  • Cambridge City Council (Cowley Road Office)
  • Cambridge Central Library
  • South Cambridge District Council (Cambourne office reception)
  • University of Cambridge (West Cambridge Site)
  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • AstraZeneca Offices
Why do we need this given that people have mobile phones?

Many people will find the information they require from a mobile phone but not everyone.

For some users, the screens will provide easily visible information without having to press any keys to find it and information tailored to their locations without having to go hunting for it.

Since the screens are large, it may be easier for some people to see the information here rather than using a phone.

The information is also easy to see at a glance while walking past the screen instead, of having to get your phone out.

Put a SmartPanel in your pocket

A pocket version of the SmartPanel screens is now available to access on your smartphone.

Pocket SmartPanels use the same data to show live weather forecasts plus real-time and timetabled travel information about when the next bus or train will be arriving at your chosen stop or station.