Sign of the times as bus stops go digital (From Warrington Guardian)

Sign of the times as bus stops go digital

FINAL checks are being carried out on Warrington's new digital bus stop signs.

And if all goes well, passengers could see the 'itravel' scheme going live in the next few weeks.

The boards will inform people exactly how long they have to wait for their bus, and have been installed as part of a scheme to modernise bus stops and promote travelling by public transport.

Barry Eaton, transport co-ordinator at the borough council, said: "We are trying to get people to use their cars less and use the bus more, and the only way to do that is to provide them with the infrastructure, so that things look good and feel modern."

The displays, installed at 150 bus stops across the town, include facilities for visually impaired users, who are to be provided with key fobs that can activate a voice message to let them know when their bus will arrive.

Passengers can get information about bus times and delays over the phone, and looking further into the future, those with mobile phones will even be able to access the details via text messaging, as well as using the Internet.

Mr Eaton said: "All the time we are making these changes to make the system more attractive to the user."

Modern bus shelters have been put up at 260 stops across Warrington, with work on another 90 having been approved for this financial year and the next.

The new shelters boast better accessibility for people with disabilities and mums with pushchairs, plus lighting to enhance safety for passengers travelling at night.