Retro “Flap Sign” Displaying Ferry Departure Schedules to Be Unveiled at San Francisco’s Historic Ferry Building

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nostalgia meets high-tech as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) introduces an old-fashioned mechanical “flap sign” to the Bay Area's public transit scene.

Flap signs, also known as split-flap displays, are common in major railway stations and airports throughout the world. Although from the recent past, the new flap sign is embedded with a high-tech computer that will display ferry departure times for the public using MTC’s 511 database. The new display is designed to honor and harmonize with the classic aesthetics of the San Francisco Ferry Building, famous for its architecture, food and scenic location. At a glance, the new sign will offer departure times to the thousands of daily ferry passengers who use this important Bay Area transportation hub.

The flap sign project is an element of MTC's 511 Traveler Information Program. MTC is also installing new maps and better signage in and around Bay Area transit stations to make navigating easier for transit customers and to complement information available on the phone and the web.

The flap sign is a joint project of MTC, 511, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), the Port of San Francisco, and Equity Office, the Ferry Building’s property management firm.

WHO:		MTC, 511, BCDC, the Port of San Francisco and Equity Office

WHAT:		Briefing and reception celebrating the installation of the retro "flap sign" ferry schedule display

WHERE:		Imperial Tea Court, San Francisco Ferry Building, First Floor Marketplace, Shop 27

WHEN:		Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

SPEAKERS:		Anne W. Halsted, MTC Commissioner and Vice Chair, San Francisco BCDC
		Monique Moyer, Executive Director, Port of San Francisco
		Jane Connors, Senior Property Manager, Equity Office

EVENT DETAILS:		This event is open to members of the media and invited guests.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:		To arrange for interviews and photo opportunities, please contact Brenda Kahn, Senior Public Information Officer at BKahn@mtc.ca.gov, 510.817.5773, or 510.207.4294