Consumers Association Survey Unit – SURVEY OF BUS INFORMATION 1984

Description

In May 1984 the Consumers’ Association surveyed public bus information across 23 English and Welsh shire counties, inspecting 312 bus stops, 38 buses, 23 stations and other local outlets. It found provision patchy and inconsistent: one in five stops displayed nothing, most signs were operator flags showing only logos or numbers, and only 37% of stops had display cases or posters; maps and fare details were rare. Onboard information was scarce—11 of 38 buses carried no service information and only about a third displayed a local garage or station contact. Bus stations offered the best resources (leaflets, timetables and maps) but few displayed delay/cancellation notices and fare information was limited. Libraries, post offices, railway and tourist offices varied widely. Local radio often broadcast travel bulletins while newspapers mainly reported notable disruptions. The survey concluded that useful information can be provided in varied places, but widespread gaps in basic passenger information remained.