Payne – THE MAPPING OF BUS ROUTES 1988

Description

The report argues that clear, accurate bus maps are essential to promote public transport use. It distinguishes conventional link-based and node-based maps, noting node-based layouts can improve clarity in dense networks but may oversimplify road patterns and hide local detail. Surveys of Central London, Bexley, Hertfordshire and several 1987 local maplets (Hitchin’s “Buzza” and “Hoppanstopper,” Luton & District) found poor reproduction, missing routes, inconsistent numbering, weak station emphasis, unclear symbols, and legibility problems. Fieldwork in Oxford showed users relied on multiple sources, timetables influenced choices, and schematic maps lacked necessary street detail. The report highlights how deregulation fragmented mapping and suggests computer-generated maps can aid rapid updates, but warns against excessive schematization. It proposes redesigned Hitchin maps and town-centre leaflets with specified size, fold, map-base detail, colour use and content. Key recommendations: accurate route data, consistent legends and colours, readable frequency/termini information, appropriate scale with clear town-centre insets, prominent stations, stop-press updates, and balanced simplification to aid visitors and regular users.