Passenger Manifesto

2023 February 27

- Send to Thomas Ableman for his thoughts. ***

What we need as public transport passengers, and what transport agencies think we want, has
been confused.

Transport apps were supposed to reduce or eliminate friction to mobility. That is what public
transport needs to shoot for. And this does not require a technological solution – most of the
time it is making the actual transport service better, more comfortable, and more easily
understood before, and during, the journey.

(Not the platitudes & marginal improvements transit agencies think we'd like)

Operations

 Minimum 10 minute service on all major routes.

 Frequent service is

Surface Infrastructure

 Surface stop shelters on busy routes, with network map, wherever possible, as well as
busier stops on other routes.

 Accurate next vehicle times, with destination, in as many shelters as possible.

 Streetcar islands wherever possible, for passenger safety.

 More dedicated transit lanes, with effective enforcement.

Transit Vehicles

 In-vehicle next stop and estimated arrival time display(s), all connecting routes, and
rapid transit stations, service disruptions, actual time, as many as needed to be visible
from all vehicle areas.

 Free WiFi to all users regardless of their mobile carrier.

 Prohibit full vehicle ad wraps, as they seriously detract from the rider experience.
Particularly at night, it can be hard, if not impossible, to see where you are.

Page 1 of 2
  Bus manufacturers & transit agencies think passengers don't miss the rear window -
WRONG. It is very useful to see if a connecting bus is behind, for sun, and to see the
streetscape. You don't see trams blocking the rear window! Modern trams, streetcars,
and light rail vehicles have large windows for great views. We passengers want to see
outside!

 Announcements of serious rapid transit network service disruptions, and suggestions for
alternate routes.

Rapid Transit Vehicles

 In subways/ metros, indication of which side's doors will be opening at the next station.

 Walk-through trains.

Station Infrastructure

 Second entrance/exit for all stations for safety and easier access.

 Elevator(s) for accessibility at every station.

 Clear bus & streetcar bay signage visible from all distances of subway transfer stations.

 Free WiFi to all users regardless of their mobile carrier.

 Announcements of serious rapid transit service disruptions, and suggestions for alternate
routes.

 Real time information boards at all entrances to let people know of current service
disruptions. (People may choose to avoid the station and board a different service or use
alternate means of transport if they know there is a serious disruption beforehand. And
this avoids station and train overcrowding.

 Station diagrams posted around the station, and easily locateable online, to assist
passenger movement.

Cash strapped transit agencies are looking for any way to generate more revenue. I get that.
However, revenue streams must not be a detriment to the passenger experience.

Page 2 of 2