A good map is not so useful if there is no signage to complement and accompany it. Static information at stops will always be available to everyone, day and night, rain or shine. In contrast, panels that provide real-time information have a high maintenance cost and are more prone to breakdowns than simple paper. On the other hand, the information offered through the mobile phone is only useful if the person using it can access it: many people are not familiar with new technologies or have simply run out of battery.

The stops must have the necessary information that answers all the questions that anyone may have about their journey, whether they are starting, ending, or transferring.

It is for this reason that they must contain, whenever and wherever possible, the following information:

• Stop name, the shorter and simpler the better
• Unique stop number
• General map of the network
• Thermometer for each line serving that stop
• Timetables for each line, shown in exact hours or by frequency
• Current rates
• Situation map in the case of being a connection point with other lines
• Insert passive technological elements (such as a QR code and/or an NFC chip) that lead to the website or app with updated information on transit times
• Space reserved for scheduled service changes
• Date of last update

If the transport network you are part of meets most of these elements, congratulations! If unfortunately many elements are missing, or keeping the information up-to-date is too complicated, I can offer you my consulting services. Find me in the Contact section.