It’s time to bring our bus stops into the digital age
Calls for real time displays at town centre destinations
10.08.2018 A Johnstone councillor has called for digital bus timetables to be introduced in the town centre.
The technology - known as real time passenger information displays - was recently given the go-ahead in Paisley.
Now Councillor Derek Bibby wants the signs, which update passengers on when a bus will arrive at their stop, brought to Johnstone.
He said: “I should declare as a bus user that there is nothing more frustrating than waiting, particularly in bad weather, unsure when your bus will arrive.
“I am looking to have these in Johnstone town centre at Houstoun Square and opposite, where there are a number of buses with destinations to Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilmalcolm, Largs, Spateston, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley and Glasgow.
“The town centre is very busy and passengers should benefit from the new technology.
“I am therefore calling on the bus companies and SPT to introduce these in Johnstone and provide funding to take this forward.”
Labour man Bibby has been supported in his campaign by SNP councillor Emma Rodden, whose ward also covers Johnstone.
She said: “I think it’s a good idea and it’s been well received in areas where it has already been rolled out.
“The council hopes to continue the works, funding permitting, and Johnstone should benefit from electronic signage in the future.
“In the meantime, public transport users can receive upto-date travel information online or on individual bus companies’ apps.
“With free public Wi-Fi coming to Johnstone, it will be easier than ever to obtain travel information in an instant.”
SPT confirmed the decision to install the displays in Johnstone town centre was ultimately the responsibility of Renfrewshire Council.
A spokeswoman said: “The introduction of real time passenger information ( RTPI) displays is up to the local council.
“We are currently working with Renfrewshire Council to extend the deployment of RTPI displays between Paisley and Renfrew.”
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire Council said it was hopeful of introducing the technology in Johnstone in the future.
A spokesman said: “We’re working closely with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to introduce Real Time Passenger Information displays in Renfrewshire to improve the experience for customers.
“Using grant funding from SPT, displays have so far been installed in Paisley town centre and on Glasgow Road, with electronic displays set to roll out next on Renfrew Road.
“We’re seeking access further funding to expand our network of displays onto other main bus routes and Johnstone is an area we would hope to include in future projects if we can.”