Fundamentals of Transportation/Traveler Information for Transit

Transit riders constantly worry about their trip. While using public transportation, passengers are under the control of the transit agency. Delays, route changes, and confusing schedules are just a few of the concerns transit riders have. “After 3 minutes, a passenger waiting for a bus that is not coming expects more information and begins to consider alternatives to fulfill their journey.”(US Department of Transportation, 2004) After walking or driving to a transit station that does not have adequate information, passengers do not know if they have just missed the last bus or when the next bus will arrive. This can make the wait time unbearable. When a transit vehicle does arrive, travelers need to verify that it serves the route they wish to take, which can be another place for anxiety. Once on board, passengers must determine when to alight, if any transfers are necessary, and the best walking route to their final destination. All of these factors can make taking transit a stressful experience, especially for the uninitiated.

Transit information problems are magnified for individuals with disabilities. “What may be a surmountable difficulty for the able bodied user may become an impossibility for one who is handicapped.” (Arthur et al., 1992)   People with physical or mental disabilities rely heavily on transit. Besides relieving anxiety for new users, transit information is vital for disabled people.

Many of the stresses and worries transit riders experience can be alleviated through information. While the actual transit service does not change – the route and schedule remain the same – the addition of information eases customers’ worries, increases their enjoyment and appreciation of transit, and may actually make the trip seem shorter. By increasing the usefulness and pleasantness of transit, riders will be likely to use transit more often. Increased information makes it easier and more enjoyable for new riders to negotiate transit and for experienced riders to travel on new routes. Information systems make transit user-friendlier and can eliminate some of the barriers to taking transit.

There are three locations where it would seem that transit information is desired: pretrip, at transit stops, and in-vehicle. The type of information necessary at each location is different. Table 1 summarizes the types of information systems, the purposes that they fulfill and their usefulness. They are discussed in turn

Pretrip Information
Pretrip information can be obtained from printed schedules and maps, a transit agency website, or a telephone information service. Pretrip information focuses on trip planning. This is a critical step for new riders and transit riders who are not familiar with the route. If accurate information cannot be easily obtained, it is not likely that new users will venture onto transit, unless that is their only choice.

Static Pretrip Information


Printed schedules do not require the use of any equipment or technology, but do require that the user obtain one prior to the trip and understand basic map reading and scheduling. Obviously, printed materials do not contain any real-time information or route planning assistance. Unless a user has schedules for all relevant routes, it is possible that an optimal route exists which is unknown to the user. Another disadvantage of printed schedules is that they can easily become outdated when route and schedule changes occur. Often only a few stops are listed and the maps attached are very small. Printed schedules often do not provide what users want: A quick explanation about how to get from point A to point B (Transportation Research Board, 2003).

Automated phone systems that do not provide any real-time information could be considered static in that they are an aural presentation of a printed schedule. These systems can still be useful for users who lack a printed schedule, but they have the same limitations as printed materials.

Dynamic Pretrip Information
Phones were once the dominant method of obtaining pretrip information from home. The most effective phone transit information systems provide personal help through live assistance. The advantages to phone information systems are that phones are ubiquitous. This allows phone information systems to be accessed from home as well as en-route using a cellular phone. Also, phone systems offer the potential to interact with a live person, which may be more comforting than a web or printed interface. Customized route information can be obtained and all questions answered with one conversation. This direct inquiry method appeals to many people. In a study done on the London ROUTES call center, four percent of the calls resulted in trips that would otherwise not have used transit (Le Jeune, 1996). In addition, real-time information can be delivered over the phone. The disadvantages to phone information systems are high cost, limited hours, inefficient information retrieval, and limited disability access.

Transit agency websites and apps (hereafter referred to as website, whether the browser is a conventional browser or a specialized app) offer the potential to reach a very large audience with updated information for relatively low cost. Websites offer many advantages to phone or printed information systems. The number of people with internet access and the popularity of the internet continue to grow. Websites are available 24 hours a day, offering flexibility to users who want information at any time. Websites (and apps) are more efficient at distributing information than phone systems. A computer interface is ideal for quickly retrieving, saving, and printing information on routes, policies, and schedules. Phone systems can be awkward, confusing, and time-consuming. Websites also appeal to new users who “just want to look” at transit. While phone systems require that a user have a specific question or route, websites have a self-serve approach that encourages browsing thus making it more likely that a visitor will stumble across a route or service that they didn’t know existed. Finally, websites can reach a broad range of people. Computer interfaces provide better accessibility than phone systems to disabled persons (Transportation Research Board, 2002). Visitors and tourists can look up transit information from home.

Websites can offer personalized trip planning. This is perhaps the best aspect of internet-based information systems. Rather than guessing which routes are necessary and then downloading and cross-referencing timetables, users can enter origin and destination pairs and receive routing instructions including transfers and walking information. Transit website trip planners can incorporate multiple modes and transit agencies, adding to their value.

Finally, websites provide the best platform for distributing real-time transit information. Coupled with dynamic AVL-type systems that track vehicles, website visitors can see where transit vehicles currently are and their estimated arrival time for any stop. The computer provides a visual map with much more information readily accessible. Real-time information available online can effectively reduce passenger waiting time, the most onerous part of the trip, because an individual can time their departure to arrive just prior to the transit vehicle.

One disadvantage to transit websites is that internet access is not available to everyone, and even as smart phone availability rises, data plans can remain expensive. Choice riders are more likely to have internet access, and are also likely to be less familiar with the transit system thus making a transit trip planner more useful to them.

Because different types of riders obtain information through different sources, it is important to maintain a variety of pretrip planning sources. Frequent riders generally do not need detailed information; they can plan a trip with just the schedule and route map. Younger, more educated and more affluent riders tend to use websites for pretrip information. Also, disabled people rely on websites for transit information (Transportation Research Board, 2002). Robinson et al. (1979) found that females, older persons, and less educated people tended to use a phone information system more often because they liked direct inquiry. Finally, inexperienced riders need to know everything from fares, operating policies, route information and bus stop location (Transportation Research Board, 2003). Given the advantages that websites have for distributing information effectively and efficiently, further development of online transit resources will provide users with excellent pretrip planning information.

Transit Stop Information Systems
Transit stops are where pedestrians interface with transit. Information is crucial at these locations because much of a transit rider’s anxiety occurs at these stops while waiting for a vehicle to arrive and determining which vehicle to board. Information provided at transit stops focuses on route-specific information and reliving the anxiety of passengers. Information can be provided statically through posted maps, schedules, route numbers, and station identifiers or dynamically through countdowns, displays, dynamic maps, and verbal announcements.

Static Transit Stop Information
Static information is an essential part of any transit stop, regardless of size. It answers the questions of “where” and “how”. It can also provide a guess as to “when” transit will occur. At the most basic level of static information, some type of identifier needs to be present to denote that a transit stop exists. While a simple “Bus Stop” sign fulfills this requirement, it does not provide any assistance to users nor is it conducive to encouraging new users. The Transit Cooperative Research Program recommends as a minimum that every transit stop should display the route numbers of all vehicles that use that stop, a list of locations served and general operating hours (Transportation Research Board, 1999). Ideally, a basic schedule showing each time that a vehicle will arrive, approximate transit times to all stops, and a map of each route that serves that stop would be included as well. This is the basic information required for new riders to negotiate transit from that stop. The only disadvantage of providing static information is that it needs to be updated whenever a schedule or route change occurs. This can be a large expense if each stop must have updated information. However, with good planning and standardized information for each stop along the route, this expense can be minimized.

With this static information, many questions that new riders have would remain unanswered. A system map with operating hours, fare descriptions, and other policies posted at each stop would allow users to plan transfers, seek alternative routes, and become familiar with the basic operational guidelines of the system while waiting for transit. Also, static information sources cannot address the operating issues of transit such as delays, route detours, or other notifications. On streets near to transit stops, trailblazer signs can be posted to inform and orient people. These signs should include the direction of the transit station, the walking distance from that point and which routes serve it. These signs will help existing passengers locate the bus stop and will also serve as advertisements for transit to non-riders. Areas with high numbers of tourists can benefit greatly from trailblazer signs. Another set of static information that can be provided at transit stops is oriented to arriving passengers. A map of the area, showing points of interest, walking routes, and other transit routes with transfer information, would be a valuable resource to passengers alighting. This information would not need to be updated as frequently and the information would serve all visitors to the neighborhood, not just transit passengers.

Dynamic Transit Stop Information
Dynamic information systems at transit stops answer the all-important question of “when”. One of the biggest disadvantages to using transit is the uncertainty and anxiety that occurs when waiting for transit vehicles to arrive. Studies have shown that when transit customers are questioned about the duration of their wait time, they cited a time 50% higher then their actual wait time (Peng et al., 1999). This same phenomenon occurs when a transfer is required. By providing real-time information at transit stops, the worries of passengers can be minimized, greatly enhancing the pleasantness of the trip. Another benefit is the reduced waiting time. If a passenger arrives at a station and notices a long time until arrival, they can spend their time productively at activities near the transit route (Mishalani et al., 2000).

Real-time information systems can affect passenger behavior. If more than one route serves their destination, passengers can make route choice decisions based on the real-time arrival information provided, thereby reducing their total travel time. When notified in advance of a delay, passengers can make important decisions, and avoid the frustrating situation of being late and uninformed. Passengers experiencing delay can switch to another mode, take an alternate transit route, or at least call ahead to notify a waiting party of the delay (Peng et al., 1999)   In this way, real-time information systems can make transit more efficient and enjoyable.

One type of useful dynamic system is a display that counts down until the arrival of the next vehicle. This works well at stations served by one or two. Variable message signs and video monitors can be used at transit stations served by many routes. These message signs can show arrival times, and when delays occur they can suggest alternate routes. This simplifies route planning quite a bit. Whereas a static schedule shows an entire day worth of departures that must be sifted through in order to find the information desired, a variable message sign streamlines the process by showing only the next few departures and their current status. This is the relevant information at that moment for any transit rider. An announcer can also broadcast this information through a terminal or transit stop. Announcements help the visually impaired; however, announcements cannot often be heard due to background noise or insufficient speakers.

A study of riders in London after the countdown system was initiated showed that a majority of riders felt that waiting time passed more quickly, bus service was more reliable, waiting at night was safer and that passengers’ general feelings towards bus travel improved. Of the people surveyed, 93% thought that the countdown system should be implemented at every bus stop in London (Transportation Research Board, 2003). One hundred percent of riders stated that they use Tri-Met’s Transit Tracker always (82%) or sometimes (18%) and they placed significant value on the information (Transportation Research Board, 2003). The question is not whether real-time information is useful or valued by customers but how to efficiently implement it.

Kiosks at transit stops essentially provide the same services as a transit agency website, but are made publicly available at transit stops. Personalized route planning can be accomplished. Also, many kiosks can provide real-time information on arrivals and delays.

Perhaps the most dynamic of all information sources is live human interaction. Station attendants are an excellent way to provide information to customers. New transit riders especially appreciate the ability to ask their questions in person. In addition, attendants can serve as security monitors to help maintain passenger safety in transit stations. The major disadvantages to attendants are the relatively high labor costs they impose and the fact that they can only serve one customer at a time. However, the expense may be justified at busy stations or at stations with lots of new riders, such as airports and passenger rail stations.

In-Vehicle Information Systems
The final type of information system is in-vehicle. Passengers need to know where to alight and what routes, if any, they are required to transfer to in order to complete their trip. If passengers are traveling through unfamiliar areas and stops are not clearly discernable, a great deal on anxiety can be generated. Passengers fear that they may have missed their stop. In-vehicle information systems can be classified as static and dynamic.

Static In-Vehicle Information
The simplest way to distribute information in-vehicle is to distribute printed schedules and maps. These can be identical to the format of the pretrip printed pamphlets and the posted transit stop information. While this type of information is better than nothing, it leaves much to be desired. Unless the route map has landmarks on it, it does not help the user figure out where they currently are in relation to their destination. Other forms of static information include route maps and system maps that are posted on transit vehicle walls. This usually works best on rail cars where people are free to move around.

One method to inform the user of their current location is through signage at transit stops. This is prevalent along rail lines where there are fewer stops and each is well defined. By looking out of the windows of a transit vehicle, users can read the name of the stop and compare it on the map to where they want to alight. Signage such as this does not cost very much to implement and is relatively permanent. Clearly labeled stations and stops help passengers judge how much longer their trip will be, and reduce passenger anxiety because they know their location at all times.

Dynamic In-Vehicle Information


When exterior signage at stations and stops is impractical, it is possible to dynamically inform passengers of their location. Variable message boards mounted in transit vehicles and announcements are one way of informing passengers of their location. Alternatively, dynamic lighted maps can be used to indicate location. This has the advantage of including a map with the location so users know where they are relative to their stop. However, this type of system is impractical on a bus due to its configuration.

Cellular phones and other portable devices allow users to access the pretrip information sources en route. This can be useful for finding transfer information and general route information, especially with GPS units embedded in smart phones. Also, wireless communication and GPS is often limited on transit systems that operate underground.

Costs of Information Systems
Information systems range in price from very low (for posted laminated maps and schedules) to high ($10,000 per info kiosk and over $300,000 for website startup costs). Peng et al. (1999) found that transit websites and personal communication devices services were the least expensive to maintain. Once the startup costs of a website are covered, it costs very little to update the information and even less to distribute it. Unlike phone centers, there is never a busy signal (except rarely at extremely high peak usage times) and very little labor is required to maintain it. Additionally, websites are easy to implement, are versatile, and have almost unlimited information carrying capacity.

Call centers are cheaper to implement but much more expensive to run than websites. For users without internet access or capabilities, call centers are still important to maintain. Berlin Transport provides a 24-hour transit information telephone service that receives one million calls annually. The estimated cost per call is $7.50 (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2003).

The most effective pretrip information systems combine transit routes from multiple agencies, modes, and carriers into one easy-to-use service. This allows the call center to charge the agency for handling the call. The National Rail Enquiry Service in England provides non-automated transit information to callers. It is funded through charging train operators £0.55 per call. It has been estimated that each call generates £2.45 of revenue for train operators (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2003).

Capital costs for installing automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems varies significantly, but a study of seven US transit agencies found that the cost ranged from $3000-$10000 per vehicle (Transportation Research Board, 2003). The annual operations and maintenance cost for AVL systems range from $100-$700 per vehicle. These types of systems are relatively new and the costs are likely to decrease as technology improves. Also, because real-time vehicle location systems have been implemented in numerous places already, fewer mistakes will occur in future installations.

Variable message signs, countdown timers, and other real-time displays are relatively easy to implement. The cost is certainly higher than stationary signs ($500-$1500 per unit) but they are versatile, easy to implement, user friendly, and they deal with one of the fundamental problems in transit: anxiety (Peng et al., 1999).

Kiosks are expensive to implement and maintain, but provide personalized service and can be very user friendly. One way kiosks have been partially funded in Madrid is through advertising and co-location rights with the Savings Bank of Madrid ATM machines (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2003). When implemented together, Kiosks and variable message signs provide nearly all the transit information required at a terminal or transit stop.

Variable message signs also are the best option for in-vehicle information systems. Variable message signs and CCTV can partially funded through advertising revenue.

Funding
Transit information systems can be funded through a variety of sources. Users are willing to pay more for transit service that includes real-time information, ads can be shown on message boards, and increases in transit use can pay for the capital costs and operating expenses of transit information systems.

With many additional variable message signs and CCTVs, ads can very easily be cycled in between transit information. On busier systems, this can translate into a lot of revenue and can likely pay for the cost of the display (but not the AVL). Transport for London cites that revenue increased 1.5% on lines equipped with countdown real-time information systems (Transportation Research Board, 2003). This certainly will help defray the cost of implementation.

Finally, users are willing to pay for information. This can be done either directly through fees (such as a transit phone information system) or through higher fares. Previous studies have found ranges from $0.01 to $0.41 per trip or up to $0.50 per request (Transportation Research Board, 2003).

Benefits of Transit Information Systems
Improving transit information systems removes one of the largest barriers to riding transit. In a study of California commuters, Abdel-Aty et al. (1996) found that 38 percent of commuters who do not use transit might consider transit if more information were easily available. Because over 80 percent of users surveyed did not currently use transit, this is a significant number of people. This study also found that the information that mattered most to non-transit users was waiting times, frequency of service, and operating hours. Another study from Harris County (METRO) in 1992 found that non-riders primary information need was bus schedules and connection information (Transportation Research Board, 1999). All of these items relate to time, reflecting people’s dislike of the uncertain waits and delays associated with transit. Real-time transit information systems can make waiting seem shorter, and in some cases decrease waiting time by allowing passengers to arrive “just in time”. A survey by the Puget Sound Regional Council found that agreement with the statement “When waiting, I’m happier if I know when the bus will come” on a scale of –5 to 5 was 3.9 (Transportation Research Board, 2003). This shows that people really value this piece of information.

Once the barrier of uncertain wait times is removed, customers will be encouraged to use transit more often. A survey by the transit cooperative research program estimated that transit use increased 1% to 3% after deploying real-time bus arrival systems (Transportation Research Board, 2003). Data from Europe attributes ridership increases of 5.8% in Brussels, 5% in Liverpool, and 3% in Turin to the implementation of real-time information systems at bus stops (Transportation Research Board, 2003). The primary reason that agencies in this survey chose to implement these systems was to improve the level of customer service. This translates into ridership increases when a significant investment, like a real-time arrival system, is implemented.

Besides luring choice riders, improved transit information systems give disabled riders increased mobility. Information systems help them negotiate transit systems through better pretrip planning and information along the route.