Electronic information at tram/bus stops

[Tyranna]

It is normal to have live information at tram stops and in the past it would have been useful most of the time and necessary some of the time.

 

Part of the premium you pay for a modern efficient form of transport is to get live information which at times may inform you about choices you need to make.

 

Electronic information boards at tram stops seem a sensible idea, providing the cost isn't too high. Several other tram systems have them; the very modern and stylish LUAS Tram system in Dublin in Ireland had them fitted from the outset, although it opened about 10 years after Supertram, so by then electronic displays had become more affordable to add as part of the package. Some bus stops here have them already, so yes, I think it is a great idea for as many bus and tram stops as possible to have them; also a 'talking' or hearing loop based system for the blind; the technology for all such things has become cheaper year on year, so hopefully it won't mean additional fare increases!

[Fudbeer]

How about for the people who don't use smartphones?

 

My next bus is available on the net without a smart phone.

 

Timetables are also available on the net.

 

Times are available at stops

[dutch]

I even see young people with smartphones, from a generation who should know how to use them, calling friends panicking talking with friends saying they don't know when next bus comes while looking at the time tables.

 

There are still lots of people who don't know how to use QR codes at bus/tram stops, it gives the same info on your phone as the digital signs at the stops.

 

I prefer the signs at the stops, it gives you the choice to leave the phone in the pocket.

[Vegas1]

I even see young people with smartphones, from a generation who should know how to use them, calling friends panicking talking with friends saying they don't know when next bus comes while looking at the time tables.

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You can't account for idiots, I'm afraid.

[apelike]

My next bus is available on the net without a smart phone.

 

Timetables are also available on the net.

 

Times are available at stops

 

I agree and that's what I was trying to point out. We already have it covered and spending hundreds of thousands on new signage while increasing fares is just a waste.

[Vegas1]

I agree and that's what I was trying to point out. We already have it covered and spending hundreds of thousands on new signage while increasing fares is just a waste.

 

Timetables online, at bus/tram stops and on phones dont account for late (or indeed early) running services.

[Annie Bynnol]

Timetables online, at bus/tram stops and on phones dont account for late (or indeed early) running services.

 

The display at bus stops does take into account early/late services.

 

The countdown time is a prediction of its arrival from its last GPS report in normal traffic.

 

The only time they do not is if the bus is not running or sending GPS and a fixed time is shown.

[GleadlessLad]

The display at bus stops does take into account early/late services.

 

The countdown time is a prediction of its arrival from its last GPS report in normal traffic.

 

The only time they do not is if the bus is not running or sending GPS and a fixed time is shown.

 

I made the mistake of relying on the digital display information at the bus stop - & also "NextBus" - for the 51 bus at Crosspool one night last summer. The display indicated that the bus was on time & it counted down - but despite this, the bus didn't arrive.

 

The same thing happened with the next scheduled 51 which was due 30 minutes later - countdown to arrival but then no bus. The display then indicated the next bus would arrive 30 minutes after that so I decided I had no faith in the system, wasn't prepared to wait for another 30 mins (having already been there for 40 mins) waiting for a bus that may (or may not) arrive; as it was about 11:00pm by then I had to get a taxi home to Gleadless Townend.

 

I'd also used "NextBus" on my 'phone for this journey - which just replicated what was on the digital display at the bus stop i.e. turned out to be of little use.

 

I complained to First who advised that two 51s in a row had not run due to a shortage of drivers, they also said that the times on the digital displays at the bus stops & also the "NextBus" facility just indicated when the buses were timetabled, rather than when (or indeed if...) they'd actually turn up....

 

Certainly think that the addition of this facility to the tram stops is a great idea - as long as it is linked to "real time" information, unlike the bus stop display relating to the 51 bus last time I used it!

[dutch]

I agree and that's what I was trying to point out. We already have it covered and spending hundreds of thousands on new signage while increasing fares is just a waste.

 

They will waste money no matter if it is signage or something else. Wasting money is in their nature and they will waste it on something no matter what happens.

 

So don't bother thinking your fees would be saved if they were better with their budgets, that is something only possible in your dreams.

[Vegas1]

The display at bus stops does take into account early/late services.

 

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I clearly meant the PRINTED timetable at bus stops