Post by 77syk7 on Jun 25, 2010 9:59:17 GMT 1
I've recently been on one of my jaunts looking at other cities / towns' bus networks. Nottingham has always been regarded in the industry as having 2 very successful operators - Trent Barton & Nottingham City Transport - I focused on Trent Barton on this visit. I can see why it has won awards and some of our bus personnel should pay a visit to see how it should be done!
So what did I see - here is a list of the important features:-
* Excellent publicity / marketing with timetables available throughout the city in different locations - large detailed timetables which included detailed maps and handy credit sized ones for the wallet
* All buses observed were clean, clearly branded and a pride taken with the interior - no graffiti or litter, air conditioning was effectively working, a clock was visible in the bus and each stop was highlighted on a screen plus the aural announcement (fair enough - this could be a little tedious) plus timetables clearly placed for passengers. No barrier between passenger and driver which makes the bus more welcoming
* No adverts to spoil the exterior of buses and visibility for passengers was clear
* Leather seating in trendy, but tasteful shades plus the wood laminate flooring give a 'quality' feel to the journey
* Most importantly, all drivers observed were very polite, welcomed you on board and said 'thank you' when alighting - Interestingly, most passengers of all ages were also polite. A quirky feature is the drivers wear the colour of tie to match the route - eg purple tie with a white shirt and dark trousers made all drivers look extremely smart on the 'Indigo line'
I could go on.......but this is happening now in 2010 - this is how it should be done, promoting public transport and raising the standards. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Nottingham - I'll look at the Nottingham City Transport next time with whom I'm told Trent Barton have an amicable relationship.
So what did I see - here is a list of the important features:-
* Excellent publicity / marketing with timetables available throughout the city in different locations - large detailed timetables which included detailed maps and handy credit sized ones for the wallet
* All buses observed were clean, clearly branded and a pride taken with the interior - no graffiti or litter, air conditioning was effectively working, a clock was visible in the bus and each stop was highlighted on a screen plus the aural announcement (fair enough - this could be a little tedious) plus timetables clearly placed for passengers. No barrier between passenger and driver which makes the bus more welcoming
* No adverts to spoil the exterior of buses and visibility for passengers was clear
* Leather seating in trendy, but tasteful shades plus the wood laminate flooring give a 'quality' feel to the journey
* Most importantly, all drivers observed were very polite, welcomed you on board and said 'thank you' when alighting - Interestingly, most passengers of all ages were also polite. A quirky feature is the drivers wear the colour of tie to match the route - eg purple tie with a white shirt and dark trousers made all drivers look extremely smart on the 'Indigo line'
I could go on.......but this is happening now in 2010 - this is how it should be done, promoting public transport and raising the standards. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Nottingham - I'll look at the Nottingham City Transport next time with whom I'm told Trent Barton have an amicable relationship.
