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An idea to make bus stops better
Hello Supporter
Campaign for Better Transport supporter David Blainey noticed that that bus stops need to improve to make buses easier to use, and a discussion with our Head of Campaigns has led to a research project and campaign to do just that.
David told us a little about himself and his idea that has led to a campaign.
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"I have worked in the public transport industry for over 50 years with local authority public transport teams and with bus operators. Since 2019, I have been an independent transport consultant forming The BusMan Transport Consultancy working on behalf of public and private sector transport providers.
I also work on Saturdays as a bus driver for a local operator which gives me valuable insights into the issues of bus users. I have always been passionate about public transport especially in connection with its ability to address the problems of climate change and social exclusion.
In recent years, due to cuts in funding, [bus] timetable cases are empty, bus shelters are dirty and vandalised and real time displays turned off. The consequences of this for passengers has been brought home to me while working one day a week as a bus driver. On my break, parked in local bus stations I watch passengers searching for information. I can guarantee that someone will tap on the door and ask me if I know where a certain bus goes from and at what time.
I have been a supporter of Campaign for Better Transport for some time. At a conference I got into conversation with Michael Solomon Williams and suggested to him that a campaign for a national standard for public transport information would be a good idea. I was encouraged that he was prepared to listen to my idea and very pleased when he contacted me later to say that it had been decided to run a campaign. I have been grateful that I have subsequently been involved in the development of the report and my input has been acknowledged.
The outcome to date has been a very professional, well-produced report which makes a strong case for a national standard; and a developing campaign. Often when a report is produced it is felt that the work has been done. Clearly for Campaign for Better Transport, the report is only the beginning of the campaign.
There are opportunities for individuals and groups to ‘adopt’ bus stations and bus stops. Since the campaign was launched, I have reached an agreement with my local authority whereby I produce bus information sheets, the local authority print them and laminate them, and I then put them in display cases in the local bus station. This can be an interim measure before the campaign succeeds in its aims."
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David recently took part in a Bus Centre of Excellence webinar alongside Campaign for Better Transport’s Head of Campaigns Michael Solomon Williams and Robert Davis, a bus stop designer at Trueform.
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Thank you for everything you do in support of Campaign for Better Transport.
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With my best wishes
Sarah Bradley, Supporter Engagement Manager
Campaign for Better Transport
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P.S. This email is based on an article in our Spring newsletter, if you have enjoyed it and would like to receive our newsletter twice a year, become a Campaign for Better Transport donor.
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Photo at top of email: LSI Architects
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