Public transportation is considered key to UK policy objectives of achieving an integrated and sustainable transportation system. Improvements to public transport operations alone will not necessarily persuade people to change modes to make use of public transport. Habitual car users need to be informed of available options. To attract their interest, the scope and extent of information provision should be substantially widened so that they become aware of the opportunities. Substantial developments, promoted by the government, are now taking place in the UK concerning traveler information systems. However, such improvements and developments are taking place in a difficult environment. The UK has gone further than any other European country in transferring its public transport services into private management operating under market forces. This paper provides an outline of the current form of the public transport industry, with a focus on bus and rail services, and looks at the complex responsibilities and relationships involved. It then addresses the main national initiatives for integrated traveler information provision before setting out the issues facing decision makers and service providers in light of public needs and consumer understanding. Current progress is set in context and potential longer-term opportunities for multi-modal information provision are explored.
Abstract