Guidi – LONDON BUSES PASSENGER INFORMATION 2014

Description

This MSc dissertation assesses London bus passenger information sources and what users value for journey planning. Methods combined literature review, interviews with TfL design/technology staff and a mixed online/onboard survey (165 started, 153 finished; 148 valid bus users). Key findings: Countdown RTPI displays at stops are the most valued and preferred source (mean 9.01), with 84% checking stop information and 47% using mobile apps pre-trip. Smartphone ownership is high overall (68%), concentrated in 18–34s (98%) and low among 60+ (19%); 52% use phones frequently for travel but 67% experienced planning failures, mainly due to battery loss (71%), no signal (56%) or no credit (32%). Forty-three percent said they would use buses less if stop information were removed. Interviews flagged costs, vandalism, weather, accessibility and reliability issues for digital displays. Conclusion: a mixed approach is recommended—retain clear hard-copy materials while selectively investing in robust digital RTPI, improved monitoring, interoperable data and simple user-focused design.