Hanson and Treadwell – AN APPROACH TO CONSISTENT PASSENGER INFORMATION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT 2010

Description

The document outlines a user-centered approach to consistent passenger information across public transport, emphasizing clear design, multimodal delivery and meeting diverse traveler needs. It categorizes travellers as ‘Travel Companion Reliant’, ‘Traditional Media Confident’ and ‘New Media Confident’, and stresses accommodating different cognitive abilities, languages and media habits. Best practice combines static and electronic information, robust wayfinding, consistent naming, icons and directional signage, plus real-time displays at stops to reduce uncertainty. The technical solution is a central integrator with open interface standards that aggregates and validates heterogeneous timetable, AVL/AVMS and operational data into a single, supplier‑independent data source. This enables harmonised information across journey planners, displays, mobile services and control centres, preserves legacy systems, simplifies procurement, supports incremental expansion and encourages competition and innovation. Case examples (Hogia, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Chicago, Vancouver) illustrate implementations and benefits: reliable, consistent passenger information across modes and media, improved traveller confidence and operational flexibility.