Passenger information

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

’’’Passenger information’’’ refers to operational information disseminated to public transport users. A distinction is drawn between information for planning (travel route investigation, times, trip durations, fares, etc. prior to departure) and on the spot information (i.e. post-departure routes, train platform indicators, looking for a stop, and electronic real time information).

A passenger information system includes, among other things, route network maps, schedule brochures and maps, directional signs (pictograms) at the stops, concise schedule posters, delays, connections, and fare information (see also night bus, ÖPNV special transport). In the vehicles, stop information is delivered by loudspeaker and display or monitor (The upcoming stops and final destination can be announced this way too).

On the spot information includes announcement boards, travel destination announcements, and most importantly, relevant real time information. This is to be provided automatically for every deviation from the printed schedule; in the spirit of availability, the onus is on the provider. This requirement applies to current or potential passengers regarding construction sites, detours / alternate transportation, delays and cancellations. Deutsche Bahn AG puts this into practice with its traveler information system (RIS).

A particular challenge from the information technological viewpoint is the partitioning of trains.

On the other hand, what constitutes a surfeit of information is debatable. For example, automated announcement recordings about connections that only interest some passengers and which the remaining passengers can't avoid. Schedule changes should be highlighted in an appropriate form, since the established clientele is already familiar with the old schedule and doesn’t want to have to re-read old material. Consequently, a kind of version comparison is desirable such as exists here in Wikipedia. Most providers hesitate here from fear of criticism.

Another important component of passenger information is the long term availability of the data, which can be achieved through easy memorability of route descriptions and schedule data (departure times e.g. on the hour). This saves some questions and looking up of connections.