Many of the West’s bus passengers are seeing improvements to bus information across our region, with around 150 new information screens already helping people get around more easily using public transport and another 100 set to be installed this month.
These latest improvements follow on from a period of big changes for buses in the West, with the first 129 new green buses now on our roads, and 160 more already on the way, and the success of Kids Go Free, which returned over the Christmas school holidays.
The investment in new technology, using some of the Bus Grant secured from the UK Government’s Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, will see over 250 new and upgraded screens installed in total.
This includes 225 upgraded Real Time Information (RTI) screens installed at bus stops and stations, with improved colour screens for service information, including 18 screens to replace old displays at Bristol Bus & Coach Station.
There will also be 21 ‘e-paper’ digital displays replace conventional printed timetables, from Ashton Gate to Wick, Patchway to Peasedown St John. As well as ten indoor information screens at local hospitals and in other key public places, such as at Bradley Stoke Surgery. And also three new solar-powered screens at bus stops, without the need for mains electricity.
More than half of these screens have been installed, with the remainder due to have been put in place by the end of January.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Our latest £1 million improvements for bus passengers add to the start of a bright new chapter for transport in the West. New night services and new green buses are rolling out, with many more on the way; more train stations are being built; and we’ve secured further record transport investment for the coming years.
“In 2026, these new screens are another sign of what’s to come: better buses that are easier to use. As we work together with councils and operators to build a bus network that people can rely on, ensuring more accurate information for passengers is a crucial and continuing part of that effort.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, added: “Having reliable, clear, and accurate timetable information is essential to help encourage more people to use public transport. These new screens will make it easier for residents to make informed decisions when planning their journeys by offering real-time information they can trust.”