TfGM pilots digital displays in Stockport

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has expanded a pilot of real-time digital displays at bus stops across Stockport and Manchester.

The first digital displays were piloted on Princess Street in Manchester City Centre, with the new displays now also installed at other city centre sites, and on Wellington Road South in Stockport town centre. The different sites each use different displays from different suppliers to test which works best for passengers; the pilot is also testing the ideal placement and layout of the displays.

The project also uses QR codes at selected bus stops to provide real-time bus departure information, including described audio information to help make journeys more inclusive and accessible. Customers are being asked to test these services and to give their thoughts in a survey.

Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said:

“Since launching the trial earlier this year we’ve received vital feedback from the travelling public which will help us continually improve our services.

“Providing accurate and up-to-date travel information will be crucial in making the Bee Network accessible for everyone, and our long-term ambition is for these live digital displays to be installed at key locations across Greater Manchester.”

Funding for the roll-out of the digital displays is being supported following the city-region’s  £1.07 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement from the Department for Transport, which included funding specifically to improve provision of real-time information to bus passengers as part of delivery of the Bee Network.

Customers and accessibility groups are providing feedback throughout the trial to give a better understanding of customer requirements and expectations.