Next Bus to Altrincham Delayed by Firewall Notification
A digital display at a bus stop in Manchester mistakenly shows a Windows Defender firewall warning, causing confusion about the next bus arrival.
By The Register
A digital display at a bus stop in Manchester has caused confusion by showing a Windows Defender firewall notification, leading to speculation about the next bus to Altrincham. The display, part of the Bee network's rollout of nearly 300 units in 2026, is intended to provide real-time updates on bus arrivals. However, the unexpected firewall message obscured the information passengers needed.
The issue appears to stem from Vix Technology's Remote Software Manager attempting to connect through the Windows Defender Firewall, which is likely due to a misconfiguration rather than any security threat. The display unit, possibly a Vix Technology ITD-2810S, is designed to be energy-efficient and integrates with the bus shelter's lighting system.
While the technology aims to enhance public transport accessibility, including features for visually impaired users, the firewall notification has drawn attention to the importance of proper configuration to ensure clear communication for passengers.