Design of Passenger Information Display
Stations are well equipped with Information systems. They are also referred to as a Passenger System (PIS) or Passenger Information Display. These information systems are essential since they guide the passengers on the station. They inform the passengers of where the trains are going.
The most common complaint of the passengers on the station is the lack of accurate information. This gets the passengers really frustrated and results in a spoilt experience.
It is very important to train the staff members of the ways to use the latest system so that they have all the latest information and data required which would help them answer the questions of the passengers satisfactorily.
When any staff member is asked a question about the train arrivals, departures or any other information, the staff member should be able to give apt and accurate reply. If he is not aware and does not have the latest information, he would start guessing. And nothing is more annoying than this to the passengers.
Where and how should the Information Displays be placed?
The placement of the information displays plays a very important role in the efficient functioning of the Train stations.
They should be placed in public areas for easy visibility by passengers. Care should be taken to make sure that the visibility of the displays is not affected by the changing weather conditions of the place.
Types of Information:
There are two types of information. They are as follows:
- Constant information
- Instant Information
Constant information is one which shows information regarding the services and fares available and is not subject to change regularly.
Instant information is one which describes the time, arrival time, departure time, destinations served by the train, the point on the station where the train will stop etc
Instant information displays change from time to time (daily, minute to minute)
We can find real fine examples of efficiency in the placement of Information displays in Paris, France RER stations. The information board is hung over the platform. It shows all the stations served by the approaching train. It also shows current time and train length. It has been found to be very effective.
Bi-directional signalling
Bi-directional signalling allows the train to travel along either line at normal speed and be under full control of fixed signals. When the either of the tracks is under maintenance due to engineering repairs, this system serves as an excellent way to deal with the problem.
If we are looking at using “Bi-directional signalling”, the need for having accurate and easily variable information displays becomes a must.