The new smart city digital screens in Hull’s Paragon Interchange are now live following a period of testing.

The first of its kind in the city, the long-awaited screens will enable bus passengers to plan their journeys as efficiently as possible, with real-time updates on bus arrival and departure times using smart technology.

Paragon Interchange will now benefit from 42 LCD display 22in screens at each bus stand, with an additional seven 49in screens along the concourse of the station, displaying journey planning information for all bus services departing from the Interchange.

Steve Adams, group manager business improvement and partnerships for Streetscene at Hull City Council, said: "I am delighted that we can finally switch on these screens. They are an integral part of our city’s transport hub and will allow residents and visitors to plan their journeys more effectively with the introduction of real-time updates."

Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach said: "We're delighted to see new screens installed at Hull Interchange showing service arrival and departure information in real time, which will make using the bus more convenient for our customers.

"It is great to see many of the recommendations in the newly-published National Bus Strategy are already being delivered through the partnership between Hull's bus operators and the City Council including frequent services, low fares, modern buses and a comprehensive network of bus lanes into the city centre.

"Over the coming months we'll be working hard with the Council to make sure that sustainable travel is at the heart of plans to re-establish Hull's economy following the pandemic."

Hull company Connexin were appointed to carry out the works which began in April last year.

Will Kebbell, chief technical officer at Connexin, said: "By putting in place these new systems and infrastructure we can better manage and process live data between the buses and interchange allowing passengers to be better informed to help them plan their journeys.

"With contingency systems also in place, passengers can be rest assured that the screens will continue to run and display information, reducing disruptions and confusion around bus services during any unforeseen circumstances."

Ben Gilligan, Area Director, East Yorkshire, said: "We're delighted East Yorkshire passengers will be able to take advantage of the new screens to easily see a live view of when their bus will depart and from which bay. This will make planning journeys easier, complementing our existing journey planning and bus tracking tools available on our website and smartphone app."