Many of the West’s bus passengers are seeing improvements to bus information across our region, with around 150 new information screens already helping people get around more easily using public transport and another 100 set to be installed this month.

These latest improvements follow on from a period of big changes for buses in the West, with the first 129 new green buses now on our roads, and 160 more already on the way, and the success of Kids Go Free, which returned over the Christmas school holidays.

The investment in new technology, using some of the Bus Grant secured from the UK Government’s Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, will see over 250 new and upgraded screens installed in total, including:

• 225 upgraded Real Time Information (RTI) screens installed at bus stops and stations, with improved colour screens for service information, including 18 screens to replace old displays at Bristol Bus & Coach Station
• 21 ‘e-paper’ digital displays replace conventional printed timetables, from Ashton Gate to Wick, Patchway to Peasedown St John
• Ten indoor information screens at local hospitals and in other key public places, such as Bath Bus Station, Bath Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), Bristol Parkway Station, Southmead Hospital, and Weston General Hospital
• Three new solar-powered screens at bus stops, without the need for mains electricity

Over half of these screens have now been installed, with the remainder due to be in place by the end of January.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“Our latest £1 million improvements for bus passengers add to the start of a bright new chapter for transport in the West. New night services and new green buses are rolling out, with many more on the way; more train stations are being built; and we’ve secured further record transport investment for the coming years.

“In 2026, these new screens are another sign of what’s to come: better buses that are easier to use. As we work together with councils and operators to build a bus network that people can rely on, ensuring more accurate information for passengers is a crucial and continuing part of that effort for our region.”

Deputy Mayor and Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Kevin Guy, said:

“Real time, reliable information is what passengers tell us they value as a priority. By upgrading screens at key bus stops, hospitals and transport hubs across Bath and North East Somerset – from Whitchurch to Westfield and Bathampton to Bishop Sutton – this funding will make buses simpler to use and help more people get to work, school, universities, appointments and nights out without needing to drive.”

(Picture: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority)