Live departure information now at all 6,700 West Midland bus stop poles

Thousands of smartphone users now have access to reliable, advert-free, up-to-the minute bus departure information at their fingertips following the installation of 6,700 QR codes at bus stop poles.

The unique QR codes, attached on plaques above printed timetable boards, are now fitted at all bus stops where updates are not already provided on a digital display screen. Codes are also available at some bus shelters.

So now simply by scanning the QR code with their smartphone, bus passengers can call up a live on-screen departure board instantly listing the next services and their arrival times.

Mayor Richard Parker with a QR code

Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “By delivering accurate up-to-the-minute information in a clear and simple way on smartphones we are taking the guesswork and stress out of waiting for the bus.

“Buses are the backbone of our public transport network which is why I’m determined to make travel by bus easier for everyone – not only by bringing buses back under public control, but also by rolling out smart, customer friendly improvements like this.”

A new promotional campaign on social media shows passengers how easy the system is to use.

View the Real Time Information campaign video here

Unlike commercial journey planner apps, this Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) service requires no registration, asks for no personal data, and is entirely free from advertising.

Instead, the local departure board appears instantly, clearly displaying the bus number, destination, and countdown time. The system can also notify waiting passengers of any diversions or cancellations.

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has been working with bus operators to improve the accuracy of information to passengers – so people can find out straight away when their bus is arriving or if it has been delayed.

The Mayor is in the process of taking back public control of the bus network, to set routes, timetables and fares to benefit passengers across the whole West Midlands.