New bus stop information displays installed with audio

More than 100 bus stops around Reading have been fitted with new real-time passenger information (RTPI) displays with audio announcements for customers with visual impairments.  

Many of the old information displays were faded and difficult to read and were problematic to maintain and repair.

The improved system makes real-time information about the arrival time of buses more accessible to all passengers.

The new displays installed at 101 bus stops are easier to read, have faster response times and are more energy efficient.

They include 48 flag displays at bus stops and 53 larger bus shelter stretch displays.

All the units have been fitted with large yellow push buttons, either in the shelter or on the bus stop pole, which when pressed deliver an audio announcement of the next bus services to call at the stop.

The new equipment has been funded by the Bus Service Improvement Plan grant from the Department for Transport and is part of the Council’s Enhanced Partnership agreement with bus operators.

Bob Bristow, regular attendee of the Council’s Access and Disabilities Working Group, said:

“Before this button was introduced, when I approached a line of bus stops as a blind person I wouldn’t have any idea which was the one I required unless there was someone there to ask, which quite often was the case.

“Also, if the bus stop served more than one bus I wouldn’t know if the first bus that pulled up was mine.

“Now with this button, not only do I know I am at the right stop, I also know when my bus is due and it is the one that is pulling up at the stop.”

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“People really value having real-time information telling them when the next bus is due while they are at the bus stop.

“The new displays in 101 bus stops and shelters around Reading are easier to read, more reliable and have a new feature which gives audio announcements, to help people with visual impairments.

“Reading has an excellent bus network and making it even easier to use, and more accessible to everyone, will help even more people get on board.”