The TTC is piloting solar-powered next-vehicle-arrival signs at Broadview and Dundas West stations, at a retrofit cost of about $15,000 for the two.

Here’s how they’ll work:

• Flexible solar panels are placed on the shelter roof (photo 1). They’re not quite as efficient as flat panels, but conform to the TTC’s shelter design and are vandal-resistant.

• The power is fed into two batteries stashed under each bench inside the shelter. The batteries have a five-year lifespan, cost about $100 each and hold power up to five days, so the signs still work at night.

• The signs (photo 2) tell riders when they can expect the next streetcar, with information transmitted via cellular technology.

Most transit shelters around the world contain a solar component, say TTC officials. So experts here will be looking at other places the technology can be applied. One possibility is TTC shelters on Spadina Ave.

The TTC doesn't have the authority to install solar power in most bus and streetcar shelters, however, because they're governed by the city’s street furniture contract with Astral Outdoor.

But LED signs will be going into shelters on all but the 502 and 503 Downtowner cars this year. Those streetcars, which run along Kingston Rd., are experiencing some data issues the TTC is still working out, said transit spokesperson Brad Ross.

Some 52 shelters, nine streetcar bays at subway stations, and five subway stations are being outfitted with screens that let riders know in real-time when they can expect the next two cars. LCD screens are used inside subway stations, LED versions in the shelters.

By July, the streetcar system will also have text messaging at all 800 stops, so riders can receive that information on their cellphones. That convenience won’t be available for buses until next year, because they haven’t been retrofitted with the necessary GPS equipment yet.

LED displays will also be going into 298 city bus stops when the GPS upgrade is complete.