Transport technology provider Vix Technology is partnering with Campaign for Better Transport to help create a national “bus stop standard”.
The working group also includes the Department for Transport, local transport authorities, operators, accessibility specialists and other technology specialists.
The initiative follows Campaign for Better Transport’s call last year for a set of standards for bus stop infrastructure.
It had produced a report highlighting that many bus stops are “poorly maintained” and fall short on customer service levels.
Campaign for Better Transport called for the UK’s approximately 400,000 bus stops to have, as a minimum, a printed timetable, a link or QR code for more information and a programme for regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
Data from a survey produced as part of the report suggested 56% of people say they would use buses more often if stops offered real-time information and that 47% would do so if stops were clean, comfortable and provided adequate shelter from the weather.
The goal of Campaign for Better Transport’s project is to create guidance for local authorities on the design and maintenance of bus stops.
Michael Solomon Williams, Head of Campaigns at Campaign for Better Transport, says: “Buses connect communities and bring millions together on a daily basis. Our report highlighted how important bus stops are – how they improve people’s experience of bus travel, and help boost passenger numbers.
“Whilst there is plenty of good practice, there are also too many poorly managed bus stops, lacking basic information to give people confidence to catch the bus. We want to change this by using real people’s voices and experiences to push for a national standard for bus stops.
“There already exists a national standard for railway stations and for information on board buses, so why not at bus stops too?”
The work of Vix Technology will focus on supporting open standards for real-time information, advising on cost-effective deployment and maintenance and ensuring information is accessible and reliable.
Matthew Wilks, Business Development Director at Vix, says: “Creating a national bus stop standard is a crucial step in improving the quality and consistency of bus travel.
“Reliable, accessible information at every stop gives passengers confidence in public transport and helps make buses the natural choice for everyday journeys. We’re proud to bring our technology expertise to support this important work.”
