Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers – PRINTED INFORMATION AT BUS STOPS 2004

Description

The ATCO Interim Good Practice Guidelines (Nov 2004) advise local transport authorities and operators on producing clear printed bus stop information to meet Transport Act 2000 and DDA duties. They prioritise simple, accurate, timely displays that answer passengers’ main questions within about eight seconds. Recommended content includes NaPTAN stop name, route numbers, operator branding, destinations and intermediate points, stop-specific departure times or frequencies, days of operation, first/last journeys, return-journey timing, accessibility indicators, fares and contact/web/traveline details. Template guidance covers urban, interurban and rural needs (matrix timetables for complex/infrequent routes; frequency displays for high-frequency services). Presentation rules: alphanumeric ordering, plain English, title case, 24-hour clock, minimal unambiguous symbols, bilingual handling, clear white space, selective rules, and conservative use of icons. Typography should be simple sans-serif (x-height 2–4 mm, ~14pt, 1.5–2× leading), left-aligned, ~60–70 letters per line, high contrast and durable materials. Guidance stresses consistency, maintenance (clean displays, advertise changes seven days ahead, temporary notices), integration with ATCO cif/TransXChange, cost awareness, and accessibility (height 900–1800 mm, lighting, tactile/audible aids, real-time and staffed info where possible).