Tebb – ALTERNATIVE TIMETABLE FORMATS 1977

Description

This 1977 working paper, “Alternative timetable formats: a classification of current practice,” was penned by R.G.P. Tebb of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, under the UK’s Department of the Environment and Transport. Measuring 10 pages of analysis, supplemented by 30 illustrative figures, it offers a systematic identification and classification of conventional and unconventional public transport timetable layouts, including British Rail, NBC, PTE, and Dutch formats. The document thoroughly examines key features such as headings, route points, time matrices, notes, and the strategic use of colour and typography. The author critically highlights low user comprehension rates, particularly with the 24-hour clock system, based on contemporary studies. Positioned as a foundational resource for developing more intelligible timetable formats, this paper provides a trustworthy, data-rich snapshot of 1970s industry standards and an early call for user-centric design in public transport information.