Bus Signs Stop Working Due To Cuts

Digital bus information signs are ceasing to operate due to budgetary cuts.

Regular users of bus services in Wrexham, particularly the Wrexham to Chester route may have noticed the real times information signs at the bus stops. The signs previously displayed details on when the next bus was due and would change automatically if there were any delays in the service, meaning bus users had an idea of how long their wait would be.

The installation of Real Time Information at bus stops, was a joint project undertaken in 2005 between Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham Councils.

Last week one bus user contacted Wrexham.com after he had been in touch with Arriva Buses Wales and Wrexham Council.

In an email sent to Arriva, Kevin noted: “Standing at a bus stop with the digital display out of action is very annoying especially in this very cold weather. The bus stands in Chester are operating and displaying the bus times for Wrexham etc. why not in the Wrexham area.”

Kevin also commented on the impact the roadworks on the A483 are having on the bus timetables, with people being unaware of any changes or delays to the service.

Arriva Train Wales Customer Services said: “All of the digital electronic display systems at the bus stops are all owned by your local council, therefore you will have to speak to them regarding these issues.”

Wrexham.com popped a query in with Wrexham Council asking if the signs had been turned off due to budget cuts and if there were any plans to remove the signs from the bus stops.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council told Wrexham.com: “By late 2013 a stage was reached where much of the equipment and technology had become outdated, in part due to the rapid pace of system development. Faced with the financial challenges of a reducing budget, the Real Time information displays at bus stops were switched off, due to the prohibitive cost of upgrading the system and the ongoing financial sustainability.

“Wrexham Council has maintained a small part of the system in order to provide an electronic information screen in the bus station, and an information screen at Contact Wrexham (16 Lord Street).

“There are no current plans to remove the information screens from bus stops. Wrexham Council continues to work in partnership with regional authorities across North Wales, in order to identify and deliver best practice in the provision of public transport information and services.”

(Pictured above – a Real Time bus timetable located on Chester Road in Garden Village, which interestingly doesn’t show the time – but does show orange lines!)