Warman and Downe – INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT USERS IN LARGE CITIES 1985

Description

This study examined information needs of public transport users in London via household and passenger interviews in three one-kilometre study areas (Camden, Golders Green, Watford) and surveys at major stations. Objectives included inventorying existing information, identifying gaps, and assessing how modern IT might help. Key findings: travellers find local buses and coaches hardest to obtain information about, while Underground maps have very high household penetration but timetables are much less common. Most journey planning enquiries are made by telephone or at travel information centres; common requests are detailed timetables (35%), existence of services (27%) and fares (16%). Use of computer-based public viewdata by the general public was minimal, concentrated in the travel industry. Passengers strongly value real‑time on‑day information—electronic displays at stops and stations improve confidence and reduce uncertainty. The authors conclude IT should reduce uncertainty but most users prefer mediated advice (telephone/centres); deregulation will raise demand for staffed information services and require greater public awareness and investment.