Ellson and Tebb – LEAFLETS GIVING INFORMATION ABOUT EXISTING URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES 1981

Description

This TRRL report describes the design, production, distribution and user-comprehension of a free informational leaflet for urban public transport in Bingley (22 bus/train services). Requirements included fit for standard bus-stop display cases, pocket size, legible typography, maps, fares, and condensed timetables. The resulting 3×A4, two-colour leaflet combined a main town map with nine mini-route maps, a fares matrix by boarding point, a list of onward journeys, contact details, and compressed summary timetables showing departures to the nearest ten minutes in a time–destination matrix. Eleven thousand copies were distributed via bus stops and largely non-transport outlets (shops, schools, libraries). A post-distribution survey found 62% of bus users had obtained a copy; many obtained them from non-transport locations. Most respondents found the map, route maps and fares clear and valued fares and “how to get to other places” information most. The summary timetables were controversial—43% found them difficult and a large majority preferred conventional timetables. Young people were more receptive. Conclusions: comprehensive information can be condensed effectively, distribution via community outlets works well, but timetable format and typeface need improvement.