Define – REFINEMENT 1993

Description

This August 1993 qualitative study evaluated London Buses’ maps, timetables, fare zones, pocket timetables and local area guides with varied user groups. Key findings: coloured fare zones improved clarity and could reduce fare evasion. Users preferred line/diagrammatic displays for confidence and approachability, though word-based timetables produced faster, slightly more accurate performance. Single first/last timetables were quicker to use but prone to errors; full timetables were necessary for outer zones. Pocket timetables worked for single-route or night-bus users but were unpopular for multi-route travel. Map testing showed Penrose maps performed fastest and were most useful in practice, while Fitch Squircle felt most approachable; users wanted a combination (Penrose + Fitch Squircle) with an index, grid and ‘you are here’. Local guides are retained for reference but seldom used; smaller, local maps plus a Central London map work best. Route diagrams with interchanges were highly valued. Recommendations: further hall testing with indexed maps at equal scales, check on-bus visibility, keep local guides local, and pursue pocket timetables for specific markets.