Digital Displays: The Future of Passenger Information in Manchester City Centre

TfGM is constantly exploring ways to provide customers with more efficient and helpful services, and recently we are proud to announce the development of digital passenger information displays.

Transport for Greater Manchester

These new electronic departure boards, if implemented correctly, have the potential to revolutionise travel experiences across the Greater Manchester bus network, offering customers more real-time information and the convenience of having their journey planned before they leave their homes.

The long-term plan is for electronic departure boards to be installed at key locations across the Greater Manchester bus network to assist customers in making their journeys.

TfGM has already started with a pilot in two locations within Manchester City Centre, with a six-month evaluation planned for further test sites to determine customer requirements. Alongside their partnership with industry-leading suppliers of digital technology, TfGM has reached out to customers and accessibility groups for feedback so that the experience is tailored to their individual needs.

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 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 public transport use amongst staff, patients and visitors at hospitals and GP surgeries throughout the region.

In 2022, TfGM made strides to learn more about public transport usage for journeys to healthcare in Manchester, by engaging with customers in online and in-person events. After gaining insights from these events, TfGM moved to implement real-time bus information and electronic departure boards.

These real-time bus departure screens will be implemented in three hospitals in Greater Manchester – Wigan Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary. They are expected to become operational by Spring 2023. In addition, TfGM is building web pages specifically designed to aid patient travel and help facilitate their journey. It is also intended to include these webpages on patient appointment letters.

The intention of this initiative is to encourage the use of more sustainable transport, as well as helping make patient travel more efficient and accessible. This will hopefully lead to an increase in public transport usage in healthcare in the Greater Manchester area.

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.”