The Shires – TIMETABLE COMPREHENSION (2) 1997

Description

This April 1997 Shires survey (344 face‑to‑face interviews) assessed passengers’ ability to read a revised traditional-style timetable (larger type, stick map, reading instructions, 24‑hour clock explanation, fewer lines). Demographics: mostly off‑peak travel, 63% female, many frequent users; trip purposes were shopping (39%), work (22%), leisure (14%), college (13%), medical (8%). Question 3 (simple weekday trip) was answered correctly by 64% overall, with performance falling sharply with age (≈72% under 44, 40% 65+); workers and students fared best. Question 4 (Saturday trip requiring attention to a ‘Not Saturday’ code) exposed code problems: only 18% correct, with 43% correct if the code were ignored; older passengers almost completely missed codes. Common mistakes included using the wrong timetable direction, misunderstanding the 24‑hour clock, misreading columns, selecting top/bottom times, and ignoring codes or maps. Recommendations: larger clear sans‑serif fonts, black/dark print, minimal essential information, prominent route/direction labeling, horizontal guidelines under every third timing point, avoid or replace codes, and include clear reading instructions and 24‑hour guidance.