Durham’s new bus station is quickly becoming regarded as a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility for bus users in the North East, especially when it comes to travel information and positive passenger feedback.

To create a welcoming and attractive space for visitors, the County Council has introduced the latest real time passenger information system, with transport technology company Journeo delivering a step-change in the way information is managed and displayed.

In the station Journeo has supplied large summary screens so people can find the service they need as they arrive, and interactive displays to help visitors with local travel and tourism information. Further displays above each bay identify the next services to depart, making boarding the correct bus as straightforward as possible. All the displays show live information about bus departures.

The displays in the bus station are different to others in the region. Using TFT technology, and advanced management software, enables the Council to provide information to passengers in a more engaging way and in greater detail. This includes highlighting points of interest, like hospitals and attractions, on certain routes and providing journey planning, tourism and enhanced travel information on interactive kiosks.

Ian Jopling, Passenger Transport Operations & Information Manager for Durham County Council, commented: “The bus station is at the very heart of the city and these displays will improve the way users connect with the bus network. They will give passengers the confidence to make public transport their first choice for travel and further boost the North East’s transport network.

“We believe we are leading the way in the region and demonstrating how passengers can really benefit from technology previously only seen in the largest towns and cities. There is nothing like it in the North East, the response from the public has been great and we are already attracting admiring glances from other Councils. We hope to introduce more of this technology soon.”

Ted Beatson, Group Sales Manager at Journeo, added: “We have been fortunate to develop a long- term working relationship with Ian and the team at Durham County Council and it is particularly satisfying to see this project come to fruition. We were delighted that from day one the team has received universally positive feedback from passengers. This shows that not only is the technology working but it is also supporting the Council’s vision to create a healthy, vibrant and connected region.”