Clear as Day: Why legible passenger information matters more than ever

The UK government recently announced a £1 billion investment in bus services across England. This is fantastic news for passengers, promising more routes, keeping fares low, and a better overall experience. But with this investment comes a responsibility to ensure that bus travel is accessible to everyone. A key part of that is clear, legible passenger information.

Think about the last time you waited for a bus. Did you easily find the timetable? Could you understand the route map? Was it easy to find out what other connections were possible? If the answer to any of these questions was "no", you're not alone. Poor passenger information can be a major barrier to using public transport, especially for older adults, and those who are unfamiliar with the area.

The Problem with Poor Passenger Information

Inconsistent or unclear passenger information can lead to:

• Confusion and frustration: Passengers may miss their bus, board the wrong service, or put off a journey all together.
• Increased anxiety: Uncertainty about bus times and routes can be particularly stressful for those with mobility issues or time constraints.
• Reduced ridership and lost opportunities: A negative experience caused by poor information can discourage people from using buses altogether.

Optibus: A Solution for the Digital Age

The good news is that technology can help. Optibus has developed a new tool called Passenger Billboards. This innovative solution automates the creation of high-quality, legible passenger information displays, making it easier than ever for local authorities to provide accurate and accessible information to their passengers.

Here's how Optibus Passenger Billboards can help:

• Reliable data: The tool pulls data directly from information provided by operators during the EBSR process, ensuring that timetables and route maps are always up-to-date.
• Visualisation optimisation: Optibus uses advanced algorithms to present information in a clear and concise way, even for complex routes.
• Design template customisation: Local authorities can customise the look and feel of their timetables to match their branding and ensure consistency across their network.
• Multi-language support: Passenger Billboards can generate displays in multiple languages, making bus travel more accessible for everyone.

An Optibus-powered service billboard of Dr. Richard, a public transportation operator in Austria. 

A Brighter Future for Bus Travel

The UK government's investment in bus services is a major step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable transport system. By embracing technology like Optibus Passenger Billboards, local authorities can ensure that everyone has access to clear, legible passenger information. This will not only improve the passenger experience but also encourage more people to choose the bus, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Let's make sure that the future of bus travel is not just efficient and affordable, but also accessible and easy to understand for everyone. Book your demo now!