New Haven Independent

Solari Compromise Floated, Panned

by Thomas MacMillan | December 16, 2009 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

After its plans to ditch Union Station’s beloved schedule board met with an outpouring of opposition, the state has floated a compromise.

To one leader of a movement to save the board, the compromise went over as well as a two-hour delay in the arrival of the Vermonter.

In a recent email, State Department of Transportation spokesman Kevin Nursick said the department is looking into the possibility of keeping the current board on display in the station. It would be moved to a new location inside the building to make way for the two large LED panels scheduled to take its place.

Nursick’s suggestion came several days after news that the DOT plans to replace the “split-flap display” schedule board — known as a Solari board — that has been in use in Union Station since the early ’80s. (Click play above to see and hear the board in action.) That news prompted a public outcry, including the creation of a 400-member “Save Solari” Facebook group and a SeeClickFix ticket with 153 comments.

The schedule board replacement plan is part of a $5 million train station improvement package scheduled for next year. The two 17-foot long tri-color LED panels set to replace the Solari board will cost approximately $60,000 together.

The DOT’s Nursick said the department is “open to the idea of donating the existing sign, perhaps to a museum or similar institution. We are also investigating potentially moving the sign to another location in the station where it could be put on display,” he said. Asked for more details about this plan, including where it could be placed and what information it might display, Nursick declined to comment.

Extending another olive branch, Nursick said the department might be willing to program the new LED boards to emit the flapping noise associated with the Solari board. “[W]e are open to retaining the “clicking” sound that folks associate with the flip boards — it can be built into the new system.”

Nursick declined to discuss the issue further or to respond to reactions from Solari fans like Rich Hanley.

Compromise Rejected

Hanley (pictured), the Quinnipiac University journalism professor who started the “Save Solari” Facebook group, rejected Nursick’s compromises.

The Solari board should stay where it is, he said. “It doesn’t belong stuffed in a corner as a museum piece.”

As for the suggestion that the LED boards could simulate Solari-style clacking, Hanley compared that to non-alcoholic beer.

“It’s like a placebo,” he said. All it would do is make you “think about how artificial it is.”

Hanley also rejected the argument that the board should be replaced with signs that can display more information. “More detailed information can be handled by subsidiary screens,” he said.

Describing himself as “a fan” of the DOT, Hanley said he respects the complexity of the department’s task and its efforts to find a solution.

But the Solari board must remain, he said. And not because it’s old.

“This has nothing to do with nostalgia,” he said. “Nothing whatsoever.”

It has to do with the “user experience” of train travel, Hanley said. The Solari board is part of the audio-visual experience that makes the train station what it is. The Solari board matches “what a train station should be.”

“A train station is not an airport,” he said. The idea that the Solari board should be replaced is part of the modern pursuit of “efficiency at any cost.” That school of thought has turned a trip to the airport into a “soul-bending experience,” Hanley said.

He expressed surprise that his Facebook group has attracted more than 400 members. “I figured it would be great to get a conversation started,” he said. “This thing has shown that people do care about their environment, their public spaces.”

Save Solari members have suggested letter-writing campaigns and even “flash mobs” to stare at the board.

Hanley said he doesn’t plan to lead organized resistance to the DOT.

“I just hope they keep the board,” he said. “It’s a necessary part of the building.”

Building The Case

In his email message, Nursick offered several new arguments for why Union Station needs the new LED schedule screens.

The existing Solari board can display only seven lines of information. The new ones can display 24, Nursick said. “Twenty-four lines of information means we can provide more information to our customers and we can keep it on the screen longer between change intervals,” he said. The new LED screens will accommodate expanded commuter rail and high-speed rail service in the future.

“The current board cannot accommodate the Department’s desire to provide more and better quality information to the public — not just today, but in the future,” Nursick said. “It simply must be replaced to accomplish this.”

Another advantage of replacing the sign: “The new LEDs have the ability to display any information that is necessary at the touch of a button — you could describe them as ‘infinitely variable.’” That means that if, for example, Track 2 suddenly goes out of service, station managers could put a notice up on the board instantly, Nursick said. “We can even make that message flash or change colors to highlight the urgency.”

The Solari board doesn’t offer that type of flexibility, Nursick said. Displaying messages beyond normal schedule information requires a technician to change the sign’s hardware, he said.

The new LEDs will automatically adjust their brightness based on ambient light conditions, for “optimal viewing conditions in all lighting scenarios,” Nursick said. “The panels will be viewable from all angles within the waiting area.”

The existing Solari board does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Nursick said. The new LED panels will be ADA-compliant.

Nursick also reiterated a previous argument — that the current board has been difficult to maintain. “It is essentially a proprietary system,” he said. “I believe there is only one manufacturer of this type of system and service on the board requires factory-certified technicians.” The new LED panels are a “very common technology” with readily available parts and “abundant” service options, Nursick said.

“We understand that the current board has a sentimental value to some, but sentimental value cannot preclude making prudent, reasonable and very necessary changes to the station,” Nursick said.

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Comments

Posted by: juli | December 16, 2009 3:42 PM

"very necessary changes" to some seem like incredibly wasteful and unnecessary to others, like myself.

Posted by: Paul Wessel | December 16, 2009 4:13 PM

Maybe I'm just not getting the spirit of the preservationist impulse here, but - as a train traveler - aren't I better off with signs that can tell me things like "All Boston-bound trains delayed by 2 hours due to ice storm," or "Extra Yankee game train on track 5?"

(I always had my doubts about the accuracy of the information provided by this board. My feeling was that it was pre-programmed and not responsive to what was actually happening with the trains. Maybe I'm wrong, but if I'm not, it would be good for the DOT to 'fess up.)

The clickety-clickety is nice, sure, but shouldn't providing the best possible information be the goal here? I liked the clickety-clickety of my old rotary phone, but the value of touch tone technology ultimately convinced me to give it up. (That, plus not being able to get parts.)

The "prudent" and "reasonable" argument DOT makes should not be discounted. Watch the video at the top of article: the number of mechanical actions necessary every time a train departs is incredible - almost rube goldberg-like! I'm not surprised that there have been maintenance issues.

Maybe the DOT should let us know the historic operating costs of the mechanical system - including maintenance and electricity - vs similar LED systems. What's the dollar cost of not making this change - and what are "we" willing to give up to keep the existing system?

There is benefit to new technology (like online newspapers!) I was at Caffe Romeo on Orange Street this morning and noticed something very cool: there's a large TV monitor on the wall showing on a map in real time the location of Yale shuttle buses en route.

A higher-tech, more rider-friendly mass transit system is badly needed in this country. Seems like a misguided use of energy for everyone to fight about 25-year old proprietary mechanical signage. How about someone start a Facebook group called "Why can I get wifi on Bolt Bus but not on Metronorth or Amtrak?"

Posted by: Rep. Pat Dillon | December 16, 2009 4:34 PM

Paul - Keeping the sign does not foreclose information elsewhere.
One of the people who posted on the facebook page wrote this:
"How about keeping the solari board, but also adding the planned digital signs on the platforms and around the station that give the complete information."
That sounds like more of a compromise. Also I'd like to learn more about New Jersey if it's true that they just installed two Solari signs. Which stations? How was that decision made?

Posted by: Bruce | December 16, 2009 4:52 PM

The Solari board looks cool but that's about it. I don't understand Hanley's argument that it's not about nostalgia. He then goes on to describe the train station "experience", which sounds pretty much like nostalgia to me. I agree with Paul, let's not stand in the way of modernizing the transportation system. Better, more convenient technology is now available -- let's use it.

Posted by: nfjanette | December 16, 2009 5:04 PM

The goals are not mutually exclusive. As I and others have suggested, the addition of well-designed smaller displays in strategic locations at the station would offer the best of both worlds. DOT blew it but not soliciting better advanced feedback from the ridership and supporters of the railroads, and now they are struggling to deal with the backlash. I do agree that there is room for more technological advancement in some areas of mass transportation; it doesn't have to be at the expenses of what is time-proven to work well.

Posted by: Norton Street | December 16, 2009 5:12 PM

Brick and stone are old fashioned building materials, the train station should be clad with metal panels and the copper ceiling moldings should be replaced with acoustic ceiling tiles.

Posted by: lisa | December 16, 2009 5:37 PM

Waste, waste, waste. Congratulations on throwing money away. New things break down, and aren't usually made as well as the old ones. It looks like planned obsolescence - I bet we'll have to pay to replace the LED one in 5 years. When I am reading or looking at something else while waiting for my train, and I heard the clicking of the letters, that's when I knew to look up and see if that was mine being put up on the board. I continue to be ashamed with the way some things are done around here.

Posted by: Bruce | December 16, 2009 5:40 PM

Keeping the sign and adding supplemental panels does not alleviate the maintenance issues, which seemed to be a driving force in the desire to replace it.

Again, I think the sign is cool I will be sad to see it go (for nostalgic reasons) but I totally understand the need to replace it.

Posted by: Pat | December 16, 2009 5:48 PM

There is room for compromise. Keep the Solari functioning and post the digital boards elsewhere.

We need to maintain a sense of place. Union Station is a small gem.

Have you seen the brutalist, Stalinist type "transportation center" in Stamford?

It could happen here.

Posted by: anon | December 16, 2009 6:04 PM

Given the state of our economy, shouldn't the $5 million be spent improving crosswalks, bike lanes and bus stops so that people can get to the station in the first place -- instead of LED signs?

Predictably, if you read the DOT's station reports, they just talk about new facilities for drivers, like better signs from the highway. Apparently they don't understand that more than half of residents in New Haven do not drive to work every day. The station facilities/access for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users are horribly inadequate, yet the DOT doesn't seem to think that is important.

Who is setting our priorities?

These clicky signs work perfectly well at train stations in Italy. Is it true that they are not "ADA compliant"? Who decides that? From what I've heard, the clicky signs are actually higher-contrast and easier to see than the LED signs for people with certain vision impairments.

Posted by: Charlie O'Keefe | December 16, 2009 7:43 PM

Mr Wessel.

I think you are being very naieve. The new board will be connected to some form of continuous advertising with loudspeakers blasting out a commentary. The next time your Acela is four hours late you will have one of the following to enjoy and savor.

An Amtrak Blue Light Special telling you how much better their $120 train ride is to Penn Stn compared to Metronorths $16 ride to GCT.

The Home Shopping Network trying to sell you something that's not available in stores for $19.99 plus $4.99 shipping and handling. You can't figure out what the something is or why anyone would ever buy one.

A ticker telling you by the second how much New Haven's debt is increasing. If you are a taxpayer that'll really put you in a good mood for your journey.

A Mayor DeStefano power-point presentation telling you how much he has done for the city. As these are usually 8 hours long you will be so enthralled that you'll miss your train.

Sorry to say I'll be sad to see the click click click sign passes in to oblivion. When the trains are so so so late it wakes you up when one arrives, but its never never never your one.

Posted by: nutmeg | December 16, 2009 10:18 PM

There's a lot of misplaced sentimentality here. what DOT is proposing is a significant IMPROVEMENT to the traveler information systems in the station. it's necessary in light of all the proposals to INCREASE service through New Haven and make it a hub for the state's future commuter rail system.

yes, it's important to preserve our past (which you do every time you step on an early 1970s vintage metro-north train and appreciate the peeling faux-wood panel wall paper and the smell of non-vacuum toilets), but it's also important to look forward. For example, Germany has some nice digital displays (hopefully this still feels like "what a train station should be" despite the modern sign.) And metro-north and njtransit have been rolling our digital displays at their larger stations.

and for all the warm feelings directed towards the big board, i haven't heard one person shed a tear for the small solari boards in the tunnel, which are constantly out of service.

Finally, if we're all really interested in preserving the board, then lets think about moving the sign to the Hartford or New London stations, where it will see less action and may enjoy a longer life.

PS, to answer some questions:
-the new solari board in new jersey is located at secaucus junction. There are numerous solari boards in the station and each is specific to one line. My guess is this results in less wear-and-tear as it is usually only the time than changes.
-as I understand it, most of the money is being spent on maintenance to the tunnel. the improved signage is included in the project because the communication system necessary to support this system can be installed while the tunnel is under construction.

Posted by: DingDong | December 16, 2009 11:10 PM

Ok, DOT show us some numbers. How much do you really spend maintaining that sign every year?

Posted by: MR | December 17, 2009 1:02 AM

"...aren't I better off with signs that can tell me things like "All Boston-bound trains delayed by 2 hours due to ice storm," or "Extra Yankee game train on track 5?""

Actually, the lower lines of the Solari sign can and have been used for this purpose, FYI.

Posted by: fedupwithliberals | December 17, 2009 6:24 AM

In an age where we're bombarded with too much information, it's refreshing to have the Solari. KISS.

Posted by: Westville Sue | December 17, 2009 7:16 AM

I can appreciate the DOT's position, but I do not agree with it. The outpouring of comments on the initial story and on Facebook clearly indicates that a significant number of people value the Solari Board as a working, information-bearing, satisfying source of information. Pushing it out to the side as a museum piece is not much better than getting rid of it. The only satisfactory compromise is to add an LED board, not "put away" the Solari Board. I hope Thomas' next story will be that the DOT has responded to public sentiment and will modernize the station that way.

Posted by: steve ross, human | December 17, 2009 9:39 AM

My feelings about the Solari board are purely aesthetic, and purely sentimental. I don't think that nullifies the position, however.

What got me thinking is:
"The existing Solari board does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Nursick said. The new LED panels will be ADA-compliant."

This, clearly, is a legitmate concern -- but why is it the case?

Posted by: nfjanette | December 17, 2009 9:39 AM

and for all the warm feelings directed towards the big board, i haven't heard one person shed a tear for the small solari boards in the tunnel, which are constantly out of service.

Those locations in the tunnel would be a good place to put some of the new, supplemental LCD displays.

Posted by: Mister Jones | December 17, 2009 11:13 AM

I suspect that the "compromise plan" to keep the Solari functioning in place and add LED screens is not very viable operationally. That means keeping two hardware systems operating and programmed by individuals. That means more time spent each day and more money on maintenance and repairs. And keeping the Solari on display as a nonfunctioning museum piece just adds insult to injury.

The question is whether the Solari effectively provides necessary information to the public. If more lines are needed, or more flexibility on each line, or better visibility for the vision impaired, what about a new Solari split-flap display?

Posted by: Josh Smith | December 17, 2009 8:19 PM

How is putting the board in a museum a compromise?

Here's an idea: Get a bigger Solari board to use as the main board, and add a supplemental LED board underneath it to address delays and such. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Put your "status footnotes" on an additional board. If you need an ADA-compliant board, work with the company that produces the board to retrofit it to be compliant. Sure, if you just replace the board, it'll be cheaper and easier, but every change like this you make degrades the station's aesthetic quality.

Posted by: Emily | December 17, 2009 9:28 PM

Honestly this sign needs to be kept! There are several other Metro North stations that one can observe other methods of alerting passengers to the train. White Plains station, for example, has no "main board" but several LCDs around the station, and a marquee type sign over each track. So why not do something similar to that, and end up keeping the Solari in the main area? Certainly it is the best of both worlds. We keep our sign, and the alternate signs can include any additional information, and provide compliance in any way needed.

I dislike the museum idea, but if everything fails, I would rather see the Solari go to a museum then dismantled and forgotten. But as a last, last resort. I bet the Transit Museum in the city would take it, there is certainly a remarkable collection of history located in that museum.

Posted by: Bill | December 18, 2009 1:10 AM

If it was just nostalgia motivating this kerfuffle then the offer of putting it in a museum would be enough--But clearly this is unacceptable because the real concern here is that the DOT believes the only way to add and improve the station is through subtraction. This is a very strange view of progress--public places gain meaning through layering technologies and improvements, what we choose to keep, what creative additions we make.

There are new automatic machines to take tickets, but nobody would just rip out the tix offices because most people understand how that compromises the architectural integrity and the importance of aesthetics to public spaces. Instead the solution is to just add in automatic tix tellers. Likewise we can update signage without stripping out a functional and beloved sign...Let's come up with something creative--maybe something like discreet LED signposts placed about the station. The result might be an even more beautiful train station that is fully functional and still a pleasant place to sit and listen.

Improvement simply does not necessitate the removal of the Solari sign despite the insistence to the contrary, this is just pure laziness. There are too many examples of old and new technologies peacefully coexisting in the world around us, enriching public spaces by their contrasts. Besides, isn't this just out of step with the times--What is the motivation of the planned Moynihan station if not the same concerns expressed in keeping the Solari?

Posted by: Richard Stowe | December 18, 2009 2:33 AM

Rail*Trains*Ecology*Cycling is holding a meeting, which will primarily focus on a discussion about the Solari board and the replacement of the steel-clad pedestrian tunnel, today - Fri. Dec. 18th at 1 p.m.

We will meet under the Solari board at New Haven Union Station & then migrate to one of the wooden benches. We will also discuss other aspects of the DOT project; improved bicycle access to trains and Union Station and improving train service to State Street!

Posted by: billygoat | December 19, 2009 7:43 AM

Over 25 comments posted about what type of board will tell people about trains at Union Station. You would think that given we're mired in two wars and employment's about 10% that people would get worked up only about things that matter.

Yeah, sure, I like the present board. But to set up a Facebook page and start a protest about it, because the "clacking" noise is part of the "train experience"...guys, that's nonsense.

Posted by: citizen | December 19, 2009 9:05 PM

In response to Pat above who posted: "Have you seen the brutalist, Stalinist type "transportation center" in Stamford?"

Um, ...uh..."Stalinist?" I'm confused.

I'm actually a lover of trains and I'm sentimental in such regards...But I don't think "Stalinist" regarding Stamford makes any sense. If you would like to respond what you mean, and why exactly that has anything to do with Stalin, please do.

Otherwise, I think the reasons for LEDs make sense. In the time one stands there waiting for the board to flip, I wonder how many people have missed their train? And compliance with the ADA makes good sense to me.

Solari Compromise Floated, Panned

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