Balcombe and Vance – INFORMATION FOR BUS PASSENGERS 1998

Description

The report finds printed timetable provision is inconsistent and often inaccessible: under half of respondents had up-to-date timetables at home and many stops lack complete, legible information. Timetables frequently fail DPTAC guidance due to small type, clutter and complexity. Simplifying service patterns would help but is impractical; practical alternatives include personalised printed timetables auto-generated from databases and simplified stop displays showing only departure times, route diagrams and approximate journey times—requiring clear stop naming. Telephone enquiry services are trusted but underused; better publicity, hours, speed and staff skills would increase value. The study (surveys, hall tests, regional trials) found most passengers rarely consult timetables, prioritizing frequency, reliability and fares; infrequent, first-time and long-distance travellers most need information. Real-time displays and public interactive terminals are useful in town centres, while in-home terminals attracted little support. Willingness to pay is limited; modest subscriptions or per-enquiry charges fare better. Improvements may raise bus use marginally (0–5%), but removing information could reduce patronage. Recommendations: clearer printed materials, improved stop naming/layout, promote phone services, pilot personal timetables and selective electronic trials; further cost-effectiveness research is needed.