The major changes coming to bus stops that could transform how we travel

Changes are being made to bus stops in Greater Manchester that could transform public transport.

New digital information displays have been installed across Manchester and Stockport to provide real-time travel updates to bus passengers. The screens are part of an ongoing trial to explore new ways of giving the real-time tracking.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) launched the six-month pilot scheme in March with the first digital display being installed on Princess Street in Manchester city centre. Since then, another two displays – each with different designs – have been set up at sites near Oxford House on Oxford Road, also in the city centre, and Wellington Road South in Stockport.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

TfGM is working alongside 'three industry-leading suppliers of digital technology to see which display works best for passengers'. This involves testing hardware and software, as well as the ideal placement and layout of the displays, according to TfGM.

The project has also been extended to include QR codes at selected bus stops which, when scanned by passengers, provides access to real-time bus departure information, including described audio information to help make journeys more inclusive and accessible. Customers are being asked to test these services and to give their thoughts in a survey.

Greater Manchester was awarded £1.07bn from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to help pay for the Bee Network. More than £430m has been allocated to improve buses, routes and services, including better provision of real-time information.

Customers and accessibility groups are providing feedback throughout the trial to give a better