Beyond the bus

This article outlines the improvements to bus stations, stops and passenger information that have occurred in recent years in the UK. Bus stop infrastructure is considered important to improve the confidence of a new or irregular bus user: it is important not to give the impression that a bus service is that transport of last resort by providing old, dirty or unkempt facilities. Although in many towns the bus station is off centre and the bus offloads most of its passengers in the main shopping street, new and non-regular passengers need to know where to catch a bus and to get the requisite information. The replacement bus stations in Warington, Derby and Bath are described. A good staffed enquiry desk is considered desirable. Where bus stations are central to a town, there is a temptation to allow them to be redeveloped as part of new shopping developments, with varying results. Retail development of the site can reduce capacity, causing congestion. The replacement bus station in Cardiff will be half the size whereas in Swansea, the buses have been encouraged into the city centre with their own 'track' and bus stops reminiscent of metro stations for its cross-city 'ftr' route 4. New glass shelters give a pleasant waiting environment and the real time signs are a model of clarity. The effectiveness of real time passenger information signs is considered patchy, especially where the ownership of the system is split between organisations or they only display the timetable rather than the waiting time. While these signs are often put up at busy stops, it is argued that they are more use to individuals when put up at out-of-the-way stops with infrequent services. Modern system-built bus stops can be quickly repaired if the flags are vandalised and simplified real-time displays can be incorporated. Lighting of bus stops is considered important so that passengers can read the information provided and Transport for London has used solar panels to provide push button illuminated timetable cases.