WHAT KIND OF INTEGRATION DO WE WANT?

COMMENT

When people call for more public transport integration, what are they actually seeking? The answer is surely something that adds greatly to what exists today. A system in which buses stop directly outside or within railway stations, timetables and live arrival/ departure information for both modes are displayed within the stations and on the buses and trains, also on one comprehensive app, and through ticketing is available. 

The sort of facility that, to greater or lesser degrees, is available in countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands, and which makes public transport more convenient and a viable alternative to some car journeys.

 Probe more deeply and they are less likely to approve of integration that requires them to change modes or vehicles part of the way along what today is a through journey. 

There are at least two reasons for that. One is the disruption of having to disembark from the first vehicle — bus, tram or train — probably giving up a seat in the process and having to wait to board the connecting vehicle. 

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