Fallat, Solohub, Jeng and Kondeath – IMROVING PUBLIC TRANSIT SCHEDULES 2004

Description

This report evaluates NJ TRANSIT hardcopy bus timetables and proposes clearer layouts based on human-factors research, agency surveys, two focus groups, and a 30-participant within-subjects test of two landscape prototypes for Route 62. Findings show high error rates (~50%), indicating information overload, fonts smaller than recommended, confusing AM/PM distinctions, misaligned time points requiring schedule rotation, and unclear zone/boarding info. Focus groups preferred slanted (angled) time-point labels, zebra (alternating column) shading, zone displays tied to tables and maps, pictograms for accessibility, and linking map points to timetable entries. The directional prototype was favored; improved zone representation was statistically significant but overall usability remained limited. Recommendations: reduce extraneous text, increase font and modestly enlarge paper, align time points and location names on one table with clear AM/PM demarcation, shade alternate columns, angle labels, add fare-zone info and prominent customer-service contact, explore better schedule software, phase in changes, and develop additional prototypes for other routes.