Two years ago, Bristols’ Public Transport and Park & Ride Group went from looking after 500 bus stops to managing all 1500 stops within the Council’s boundaries. In addition, they were set a key performance target for 70% of all stops to have current passenger information on display within the first year.
“Historically, we managed bus stop displays using a publishing package”, comments Ian Saywell, Public Transport Officer. “This meant that when changes came in, it took a full eight weeks to organise and produce displays. Once we took over all stops in the area, a major change would involve 300 or more displays, so we had to take action.”
Bristol City Council already used Omnibus software, and turned to OmniSTOP to help solve the problem. “Initially we had some help formatting the displays, but very soon OmniSTOP was pumping out timetables for the bus stops.” Ian summarised, “We have now hit our second year performance target in a row this year of 80% of stops with current information – this was achieved with weeks to spare. We are now preparing for a 90% target for 2008/9.
As for efficiencies, whilst the Council trebled the number of stops that they manage, the size of the team has remained stable. “We have even gone from producing displays on a last-minute basis to having the time to plan and improve. We are now looking at providing interchange information at a number of locations across the City including a number of Bristol’s urban rail stations.
As Richard, the team’s Technical Support Officer, has mastered the software it really is a case of just pressing ‘print’.
We look after all aspects of the bus stop infrastructure, and not to have to stress about displays is a very good thing. The design is professional to look at and includes key components such as colour coded services and line diagrams showing routes and journey times. We also use OmniSTOP to insert A4 or A5 sized posters on to our displays promoting the City’s ‘Night-Flyer’ and Park & Ride bus services as well as Traveline.”
All at Omnibus would like to congratulate Ian, Richard, Bob and Nicola on hitting their targets – it’s not too far to get to the magic 100%!
