Carter Research – TIMETABLE USER AND FORMAT RESEARCH FOR LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED 1990

Description

Carter Research (Dec 1990) surveyed 1,798 London Underground (LU) passengers and ran qualitative groups to assess timetable use and design. Objectives included identifying information needs, current use/awareness of LU portable booklets and posters, and preferred formats. Key quantitative findings: dot‑matrix platform indicators are the main onboard information source (60%); only 37% knew LU produce a timetable booklet and 13% currently had one; 27% used poster timetables. Over two‑thirds prefer 24‑hour time display. Credit‑card size portable timetables were most popular (52%), with pocket and booklet formats less so. Essential content identified: first/last train times, peak frequencies, system map with clear station names, connections, telephone info, and inter‑station journey times. Design guidance stresses clarity, large contrast print, minimal clutter, and prominent poster placement on platforms. Distribution should focus on ticket offices and offering to Travel Card buyers. About 29% said a better timetable might encourage them to use the Underground more.