Users' views on current and future real-time bus information systems

Actual bus arrival times often deviate from the posted schedules due to a variety of factors; hence, providing real-time bus information can improve service quality. This study examined users' views and perceptions towards the possible future availability of real-time bus information systems in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A face-to-face paper-based survey was conducted to collect the data. Various statistics and methods, such as ANOVA tests, ordinal regression and binary logistic regression, were used to analyse the data. The results showed that 35.5% of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the current information system deterred or discouraged them from using public transport. In addition, a significant portion of respondents (82%) stated that they board the first arriving bus, even though it may take a longer in-vehicle time to complete the trip, because of uncertainty regarding the arrival time of the next alternative bus with a shorter in-vehicle travel time. A majority of the respondents (88%) indicated that real-time transit information would not be necessary if bus headways are less than 10minutes. As for preferred information content, information on the next bus arrival time received the highest priority. In general, Light Rail Transit (LRT) users showed the least interest in real-time information. Women, younger riders, current car users and infrequent transit users showed a higher interest in real-time information. Display boards at bus stops were perceived to be the most preferred medium to get en-route information, whereas a website/call centre was stated to be the preferred media for pre-trip information. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.