Simple changes would help bus riders

Re: “Real-time bus data on the way,” April 24.

It’s great to hear that we will be getting real-time bus-arrival data. I had an experience where the express bus 76 from the University of Victoria to Swartz Bay had broken down while more than 40 passengers were waiting to catch it to make a ferry sailing.

I had to ask kind bus drivers to use their phone connections to find out that a bus was not coming.

Another simple measure could also make the bus system much more user-friendly. When buses are parked before their departure times, they always say “not in service.” This makes it difficult for a rider trying to find out whether the bus they want is there or not.

At the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, I often see people running up and down the line asking which bus is there. These are usually people who are taking a bus in Victoria for the first time.

It would create a lot more ease of mind if riders could know which bus is available, especially when rushing for a bus loop. I am sure the driver can still take a rest while the bus is stopped if the sign says which route it will be running. There would likely be fewer people knocking on the door.

This method of displaying the bus number seems to work in other cities. It would be a low-cost adjustment to make using the bus system noticeably easier.

Lynn Yip Victoria