Re: Passenger Information Displays

[David Penna <djpenna@one.net.au>]

Alex Borodin wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Just wondering what sort of thoughts ya'll have about
> Passenger Information Displays, especially the Outdoor LED type
> displays like they have in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
> 

I was relieved when the LED displays started popping up around Sydney.  They are 
definitely helpful - although they probably reduce fitness levels as they reduce the 
need to madly dash up and down platform ramps.

LED type screens seem to be more suited to suburban stations.  I think in the city 
stations, Melbourne's TV monitor system works better, with monitors dedicated to 
each line (definitely better than the indicator boards at Town Hall or Central in 
Sydney)

At stations where there is only one line it is 'nice' to have a count-down to actual 
departure time (as well as the scheduled time) so we know whether we have time to pop 
down the road to a shop or whatever.  At busier stations (such as Parramatta, Granville 
etc) where there are multiple lines/express  services the count-down is almost essential 
- so the passenger knows which train will (supposedly) get them to their destination 
quicker.

At quieter stations - such as East Richmond in Melbourne - I find that the 'green 
button' is enough - where you press a button, and a voice tells you the next train and 
its departure time.

As far as info on the LED indicators, if the train stops all stations - then I think 
'All stations to ......"  will do as long as there is a LARGE EASILY READABLE list of 
stations nearby.  For limited stop services, a listing of all stopping stations is 
probably more useful.

Hope these comments are useful