Nationwide AV has provided mission-critical audiovisual systems for the high-tech new Metrolinx Union Station Bus Terminal (USBT).
Constructed as part of the CIBC Square development at the corner of Lakeshore Blvd and Bay Street in Toronto, the new GO Transit bus hub opened December 5, 2020. USBT was designed to operate much like an airport, featuring state-of-the-art technology to expedite passenger movement, prevent backlogs and minimize delays.
Like an airport, arriving buses are dynamically assigned to open departure gates. Passengers are directed first to their departure zone on one of the terminal’s two floors. When appropriate they’re then directed to their gates within those zones using sophisticated passenger information displays, digital signage and public address systems.
All the USBT’s passenger communications technology was supplied and installed by Nationwide AV, a longtime Metrolinx supplier. The passenger information displays employ more than 160 NEC high-reliability P-Series monitors rated for 24/7 operation. Real-time data is networked to each monitor through an integrated Avocor OPSi7 PC, selected for its reliability in continuous operation. The highlights of the extensive digital signage system are the five brilliant 110” 4K screens, each consisting of four 55” NEC ultranarrow bezel videowall monitors.
The automated audio paging system, driven by TG Baker’s Netspire signal management and distribution technology, spans twenty individually addressable zones across the terminal’s two levels. 120 SoundTube pendant speakers provide precise coverage in the high-ceiling spaces, supplemented by a similar quantity of QUAM flush-mount speakers. The system is designed to ensure clearly audible voice announcements even when the terminals are crowded with passengers.
Infrastructure and technology design for the complex USBT digital signage and public address systems was provided by Toronto’s MBAV, a subsidiary of global engineering consultancy Mulvey & Banani International. Also involved were the team from TG Baker Americas, whose Netspire Passenger Information Systems is used in all 78 rail and bus stations on the Metrolinx transit network.
Nationwide’s contract was with Guild Electric, one of Canada’s largest commercial and institutional electrical and low voltage contractors.