Re: Passenger Information Displays

[Malcolm Purvis <malcolmp@abc.gov.au>]

>>>>> "Alex" == Alex Borodin <alex.borodin@qrail.com.au> writes:

Alex> Are count-down clocks more useful for estimated departure times than
Alex> actual times? Do you need the current time on the sign?

I find the combination very useful for working out how late I'm running :-)
More seriously, I'd say that both have their uses and should be included.

Alex> Do you need the complete stopping pattern (as is done in Sydney) or just
Alex> something like "Express to Caboolture" or "All Stations Caboolture"?

I'd prefer to have both, but if there can only be one then the complete
stopping pattern should be displayed.  The reason is that while the regulars
easily know that "Express to Caboolture" stops that their station, others
(tourists, irregular users, people off their normal routes, and others the
rail system should be trying to attract) only know (hopefully!) the
destination they're trying to get to.  The more positive reenforcement they
have that next train, or the train they are now on, does go to where they want
to the better.  The shorter message should also be displayed so that the
regulars can tell in an instant that the next train is theirs, and the others
can learn the same shorthand too.

You learn a lot about the necessity of having lots of feedback when you try
and negotiate the Tokyo and Kyoto rail systems without a printed network map
and not being able to read any Japanese except Romanji!


-- 
Malcolm Purvis (malcolmp@abc.gov.au) - ABC Technology Research and Development

"Episcopalians [American Anglicans] will tell you astounding things about
their sexuality but not talk at all about their financial life."
--- Hugh Magers, Christianity Today, May 19, 1997, p23.