Ipswich Buses has introduced new onboard passenger information technology, helping customers travel with greater confidence by providing clear audio announcements and visual journey information.
The new system, supplied by Journeo, gives passengers real-time information about where they are on their route, where the bus is heading and when their stop is approaching.
While the technology has been introduced primarily to improve accessibility for customers who are hard of hearing, visually impaired, blind or partially sighted, Ipswich Buses says the benefits extend to a much wider range of passengers.
The onboard information helps remove uncertainty for anyone who may feel nervous about using public transport, including new and infrequent bus users, older passengers, students, visitors to Ipswich and people unfamiliar with the local network.
By clearly communicating journey progress through both audio and visual announcements, the system helps passengers travel more independently and with greater confidence, making bus travel more welcoming and accessible for all.
Dan Bassett, Managing Director, Ipswich Buses, said: "We want everyone to feel confident when travelling with Ipswich Buses, regardless of how often they use our services or their individual accessibility needs.
“As well as supporting customers who are blind, partially sighted, hard of hearing or visually impaired, this technology supports everyone, including those who may be less familiar with bus travel. Ultimately, it's about making journeys easier, more accessible and helping more people travel independently with confidence."
The investment forms part of Ipswich Buses' ongoing commitment to improving the customer experience and ensuring public transport remains accessible to all members of the community.
The upgrade was made possible in part through funding from the UK Government’s Local Authority Bus Grant, secured through the Suffolk Enhanced Partnership.