Use of ubiquitous real‐time bus passenger information

Ubiquitous real‐time passenger information (URTPI) enhances the perceived quality of service of public transport and enables travellers to make better pre‐trip and en‐route travel choices. The study presents an exploratory study of the use of URTPI. The authors analyse the popularity of this kind of information, of the sources through which it is disseminated, and of the contents that it conveys. In particular, the authors are interested in the effects of trip characteristics and socio‐demographic features of passengers. The findings are based on 1645 responses collected through a bus passenger survey in the city of Edinburgh, UK. The authors find that access to URTPI is particularly related to the perceived length of the trips and age of the traveller. The most popular source of URTPI is bespoke apps providing information on bus arrival times, although non‐residents require more detailed information. The study paves the way for further investigations into the impact of information on passengers' choices.