The Vix Technology team with one of the Bee Network's real-time passenger information displays.

Transport for Greater Manchester and Vix Technology announced the rollout of real-time passenger information displays across the Bee Network earlier this year. Now, several months on from the first installations, TfGM and Vix Technology continue to work together to ensure the displays meet the needs of the people who use them every day.

Reviewing the displays with passengers in mind

Representatives from TfGM's Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG), led by Breakthrough UK, recently visited one of the installed displays to review the solution in person, helping to ensure it meets the needs of the people who use it every day. The visit marked the final meeting of the current DDRG cohort, whose members have played an important role in shaping accessibility across a range of Bee Network projects.

During the visit, the group reviewed the displays from a passenger's perspective, assessing how easy they are to see and read in different conditions. They looked at factors including screen readability, illumination in varying light levels, screen angle, text size, font choice and the overall clarity of the information presented.

The review generated a number of practical suggestions, including recommending that the displays are angled slightly downwards to improve visibility from typical viewing positions. The group also shared feedback on screen readability, font clarity and how information is presented.

Every piece of feedback is reviewed by the project team and suppliers to identify practical improvements that can be incorporated before wider deployment. By involving users throughout the design process, TfGM and Vix Technology are helping ensure the final solution reflects real-world experiences and supports a better journey for everyone.

You can watch TfGM's short video from the accessibility review to hear directly from members of the Disability Design Reference Group about their role in helping make the Bee Network more accessible.

Why it matters

For many people, clear, easy-to-read real-time information can make travelling more straightforward, reduce uncertainty and give passengers greater confidence to use public transport independently.

Gathering feedback from accessibility groups before wider deployment helps identify improvements that benefit not only passengers with disabilities but everyone using the Bee Network. It's a practical example of inclusive design in action, working with passengers to create solutions that are easier for everyone to use.

Matthew Wilks, Business Development Director at Vix Technology, said:

"One of the most valuable parts of this project has been hearing directly from the people who'll be using these displays every day. It's one thing to design against a specification, but it's another to stand beside someone as they use the information and listen to what could make their journey easier. Those conversations help us make better decisions, and ultimately deliver a better experience for every passenger."