Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 5, 2009

Metro bus stop study proposes ways to improve information at bus stops

Better information at bus stops may improve bus riding experience

Improving information at Metrobus stops will help improve the riding experience for customers, according to a recent bus stop study.

Metro, in cooperation with local transportation agencies, began a study last July with the goal of improving the consistency and quality of information displayed at more than 12,000 Metrobus stops. The study examined the different types of information available at various stops and shelters throughout the region, and the different practices in the eight jurisdictions served by Metrobus. The study also reviewed best practices in cities such as Portland, Ore., Seattle and New York.

The study proposed standard practices and solutions to give riders an easy-to-read schedule so that they know when their bus will arrive. Recommendations, for which there is no current funding, include using a larger type size on schedules and signs, including the route number and destination or name on signs, listing only the arrival times for buses at a particular stop instead of posting the full timetable, and using electronic displays. New and improved bus stops signs also would incorporate their unique bus stop identification numbers so that riders could elect to use the Next Bus system to find arrival times. Next Bus allows riders to get bus arrival information by phone or Internet.

The study found that Metrobus schedule information is generally more available than in other systems, however the type of information varies widely at bus stops and shelters. For stops that accommodated multiple routes, there was not enough space to display schedules for all of the routes. The study also noted that many bus schedules posted were difficult to read.

Metro staff presented the findings of the study to the Riders’ Advisory Council on Wednesday, June 3, and will continue to solicit feedback from local partners and stakeholders, and work to identify funds to improve the information at bus stops. Metro estimates a price tag of more than $1 million to update all bus stop signs.

Media contact for this news release: Cathy Asato or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.

News release issued at 10:19 am, June 5, 2009.