As momentum builds towards delivering the integrated Bee Network, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is evaluating ways to provide bus passengers with real-time travel information in locations such as the city centre and NHS hospitals.
New digital passenger bus information displays are currently being trialled in Manchester city centre as part of a 6-month pilot, with two further sites due to be added.
In the long-term, TfGM plans to install the electronic departure boards at a range of key locations to assist customers in planning their journeys.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:Our plan for the integrated Bee Network includes world-class safety and customer experience standards across all forms of public transport and active travel.
Real-time travel information, audio-visual announcements and a new Bee Network app will play a key part in delivering a joined-up system, and I am delighted that TfGM is working with market leaders to find the right solutions for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.
TfGM has also been working with NHS partners to encourage staff, patients and visitors at hospitals and GP surgeries to use public transport.
As part of this initiative, TfGM plans to instal real-time electronic departure boards in NHS facilities.
Work is currently underway to install information screens at several hospitals in Greater Manchester. The first live displays are expected to be operational in Spring 2023 at Wigan Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
New dedicated webpages have also been added to the TfGM website to help facilitate patient travel. In the future, it is hoped that links to these pages will be included on patient appointment letters.
Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said:We know how important up-to-date and accurate travel information is to making the Bee Network accessible for everyone travelling in Greater Manchester.
We will be delivering lots of improvements in the months ahead, and the feedback from our customers will be really important in helping us to continually improve our services.
