New style timetables being rolled out at bus stops
21 September 2023
Following the introduction of new timetables on 3 September, there has obviously been a need to update the information provided at bus stops across Cornwall.
I am pleased to see that new style timetable information seems to be being introduced in the timetable cases at bus stops. Instead of putting in the cases copies of the complete timetables of all the services that serve that particular stop, a bespoke timetable has been formulated showing a list of all the services from the stop and a chronological listing of times of buses leaving that stop and their destinations. This is a much easier format for passengers to follow particularly at those stops where a number of different services stop there. For example, in Tresillian, there are buses to Truro on the 22, 27, 50 and 90 routes and trying to find when the next bus is due to arrive involved, under the old system, looking at 4 different timetables, sometimes on different posts at the stop. Now, there is a single listing where it is much easier to find the relevant information.
So far, the new timetables are not in place at all stops. Realistically, it is obviously not possible to change them all over instantaneously, but hopefully they will be rolled out across the network shortly.
See below an example of the new style timetable at the stop outside Waitrose, Truro and the contrast with the old style system still in place at Probus.
Update
9 October 2023
On 5 October, Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth CityBus and Go Cornwall Bus, attended a meeting of the Rame Peninsula Public Transport Users Group and was asked about the rollout of the new style timetables. Unfortunately, he had to admit that it has not gone as well as been hoped because of failings by the provider of the service and that it nows seems likely that the new style timetables will not be put into timetable cases at all stops across Cornwall. We will, therefore, see a mixture of old style and new style displays on bus routes. Very disappointing!