From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An example of an LED-type headsign on an
AC Transit bus. The bottom line of text changes every few seconds to list multiple destinations along the route.
A headsign is a sign, usually located at the top of the windshield, on the front of buses (as well as most light rail vehicles) that displays the vehicle's route number and destination. The name most likely comes from the fact that these signs are located on the front, or head, end of the vehicle. Depending on the type of the sign, it might also display intermediate points on the current route, especially if the route is particularly long and its final terminus by itself is not very helpful in determining where the vehicle is going.
Older headsigns consist of a paper roll with pre-printed route number/letter and destinations, which is turned by the vehicle operator at the end of the route when reversing direction. Newer headsigns consist of flip-disc, LCD or LED panels that can show animated text, colors, and a potentially unlimited number of routes (so long as they are programmed into the vehicle's computer). Some such headsigns also have the capability of changing on-the-fly as the vehicle moves along its route with the help of GPS technology.
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