Still a Choice

Even though one of the major electronic destination manufactures has called it a day, there’s still some choice left for manufacturers & operators.

The recessionary down turn in business has forced Bright Tech Developments of Poole to close voluntarily. There’s no official suggestion of insolvency but the 67-year-old proprietor feels that a lack of forward bus manufacturing means now is the hour. This in spite of the rush to install LED units in new builds and by retrofitting.

High above the NEC floor in 2006 at the trade show

Bright Tech is a significant high-end player in the market. There are others. In truth, there’s little to chose between all the main players, with each offering the passenger clear messaging and the operator consistent performance.

What the operator needs is something that can be reprogrammed quickly using flawless software. What the driver wants is an easy to use system with as few key presses as possible and one in which he can have confidence. None have particular flaws, though everyone will have their favourites. Mobitec is as good an example as any of what is best in digital blind manufacturing. It loses no brightness, is intuitive for drivers to use and will update when messages or routes need changing hassle-free in seconds. On the other hand, Bright Tech is slightly less easy to update. Hanover’s are excellent but here, perhaps its driver blind setting that is slightly less easy.

A most interesting montage by Bright Tech of Poole. Last time I looked, Poole had yet to ask Her Majesty for city status conferment. And the former X4 in Bournemouth?

There are also budget digital destination displays, such as Centrad. The first versions were somewhat basic but now Centrad offers scrolling and messaging on two lines though you can’t check the setting on the cab control panel. Prices are about half that of the mainstream manufacturers and offer good value for money. While new orders will probably continue to specify market leaders—the price is such a small fraction of the overall vehicle cost—budget ranges are ideal for mid-life conversion from ‘linen’ blinds.