Anon – ONE-DIMENSIONAL TIMETABLES 1993

Description

In April 1993 a second trial of one-dimensional timetable displays was conducted at nine bus stops in Shipley Market Place. Using the same questionnaire as a previous Leeds trial, 100 waiting passengers (mixed ages and genders; ~80% regular users) were interviewed. Responses were overwhelmingly positive: 91 respondents preferred the new displays, praising improved clarity, larger print, simplicity, quicker at-a-glance reading, stop-specific times, reduced clutter, clear separation of days/periods, and distinct route separation. Main criticisms focused on inadequate depiction of route geography and intermediate calling points—the route line diagram was seen as too small and inflexible—prompting suggestions for expanded calling-point lists, a route map/orientation, more prominent route diagrams, and more durable, vandal-resistant cases. Minor layout issues included potential misreading across columns and unclear blank day columns (‘‘no service’’ should be stated). Footnotes were useful but coding could be clearer. Nearly all respondents preferred 24-hour time. The trial reinforced the benefits of the format and recommended further development and wider implementation.