A pilot scheme is being planned by West Berkshire Council for Thatcham, which will see 'Real time' passenger information visually displayed electronically at bus stops.
This advanced technology will enable passengers waiting at bus shelters to see, at a glance, when the next numbered bus service is due to arrive, and other helpful information.
The system works via satellite tracking, and the benefits are already proven where it has been introduced elsewhere in the country.
Five bus shelters will be used for the trial, two in Thatcham Broadway, and one each in Lower Way, at the 'garden centre' roundabout on the A4, and one at the hospital.
West Berkshire Executive Councillor, Emma Webster said: "This is another example of the Council's commitment to improve the infrastructure for public transport where possible."
It is hoped the trial can begin late spring or early summer, but obviously the technology needs to be thoroughly tested first before this can happen.
Costs for the trial are just £83,000 and have been kept down by joining forces with Reading Borough Council, as have Wokingham, and using their computer server to operate the system. The displays will be monitored for as long as necessary and, should the trial prove a success, it is hoped to expand the scheme to other parts of the district depending on available funding.
Issued on 1 April 2009 by West Berkshire Council
!I KNOW ITS APRIL 1ST AND THIS IS NOT A JOKE!
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