Ellson – PUBLIC TRANSPORT – THE CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF A COUNTY-WIDE BUS AND RAIL INTERCHANGE GUIDE 1982

Description

This TRRL report assesses an experimental county-wide Interchange Guide for West Yorkshire, based on the Dutch Busboekje, intended to help travel clerks plan multi-stage, multi-mode journeys, reduce interchange penalties and boost public transport use. Analysis found substantial demand for three-or-more-stage trips and recommended a many-to-many format listing local feeder links, journey times, service numbers and timetable references. Practical trials produced three limited-edition guides for staff; departure times were omitted because operators rarely supplied timely advance schedules, making printed timing data impracticable without computerisation or better operator cooperation. A questionnaire of 70 information providers showed strong support: the Guide sped up responses, increased confidence and revealed new interchange options (notably for rail staff). Usage and requests for extra copies grew over time; the A3 map was widely valued. Production costs were lower than expected, but the Guide alone—without full, up-to-date timetables—was deemed unsuitable for general public use. Continued feasibility depends on improved data supply or computerized updating.