Metro is trialling a system that will make finding
real-time information easier at around 11,000 bus stops across West
Yorkshire.
The timetable displays at 45 stops between the centre of Leeds
and Bodington Hall in Adel now show Quick Response (QR) codes,
which look like black and white mazes. Anyone with a smartphone or
similar device with a camera, and an app capable of interpreting
the QR code, can use it to take a picture of the Code which
provides a link to the website displaying next buses from the
stop.
QR codes are also being added to key locations across the
county, such as at Wakefield Westgate Rail Station.
"We know people value yournextbus highly and have said that they
are more likely to use the bus because they know it's there," said
Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis. "By introducing QR codes we are
making it even easier to find out when your next bus is due."
"Passengers will no longer need to bookmark their stop on the
phone or input the stop number, as they will simply be able to take
a photo of the code and let their phone do the rest."
Metro is also introducing QR codes in the notices it puts on bus
stops affected by special events and road closures. Passengers will
be able to use them to link to information about how bus services
are affected by the closure on Metro's website.
"Enhancing travel information is one of the six 'big ideas'
contained in the current west Yorkshire Local Transport Plan and
this roll out of QR Codes is just one method Metro will use to
achieve this," added Cllr Lewis.