Pacer Black Box

[Haydn1971]

Noticed this on the train today, just behind the drivers cab, any ideas what it is ?

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/03/fdd611400ce7238f9c2e266b97f95eec.jpg

Don't recall seeing one before, least not in black.

 

[Adam0984]

Not sure if it's related but saw this on the refreshed NR 153

 

[Bletchleyite]

Looks worryingly like an advertising television screen. But I suppose it could be a next-stop display.

Neil

 

[Bantamzen]

Looks worryingly like an advertising television screen. But I suppose it could be a next-stop display.

Neil

They look a bit too big for a CIS, they do as you suggest look more like a ad screen....

 

[krus_aragon]

They look a bit too big for a CIS, they do as you suggest look more like a ad screen....

Several new Arriva buses in this neck of the woods (5/5C/X5 Caernarfon-Llandudno, 12 "Sapphire" Llandudno-Rhyl) are using such LCD screens for CIS purposes. In the Arriva Sapphire case, they include some ads, but only for their own services.

On the other hand, Cardiff Bus' newer examples have their screens showing the BBC News channel (reception permitting).

 

[eastwestdivide]

The box on the original poster's link isn't a screen, but a shiny black metal box with an angled part that reflects the light. It looks like those on the Cl 144 units, which seems likely from the OP's Sheffield location.
I'd guess it's a cover for some equipment that pokes out into the cab, but it so big that it also pokes out into the saloon, where it's covered up by the box. No idea what though, as I don't go into cabs.

 

[WatcherZero]

Northern have a program of installing GPS on all units to provide platform PID data on lines that don't have signalling which generates such data, could possibly be equipment for that providing dual use onboard PID as a bonus.