American Public Transit Association – TIMETABLES 1982

Description

This APTA handbook advises transit professionals on creating, distributing, costing, and evaluating passenger timetables as consumer information tools rather than operator records. It emphasizes defining objectives and audiences, clear legibility (appropriate timepoint spacing, readable typefaces, white space), effective graphics, and essential cover elements (route ID, date, logo). Distribution should be market-targeted and cost-efficient—choosing contractor versus in-house delivery, prioritizing high-traffic sites, publicizing locations, and conducting follow-up research. Cost analysis must include preparation, graphics, printing, and distribution with controls such as precise specs, economic order quantities, inventory management, and accountability. Evaluation should be iterative and unobtrusive, using multiple measures (objectives/indicators, focus groups, group tests, surveys, call-center monitoring, behavioral observation, distribution/depletion rates, and trip-planning tests) to capture subtle ridership impacts. A usability checklist covers legibility, maps, transfer points, fares/contact info, durability, and bilingual content. While real-time electronic dissemination is emerging, paper timetables remain important but often need analytic redesign and ongoing assessment.