Vox Pop

‘My vote would go for joined-up ticketing systems and advanced barrier controls. I see no reason why we should not have “walk through” ticket barriers that pick up passengers valid transport payment via smart ticket chips, even billing without ticket purchase.’

Richard Woolf, Director, Mc Daniel Woolf

‘If public transport in the UK has any credible future it must define its priorities around the user – and this must be reflected in the investment strategies it adopts. Transport operators must shift their focus from being “people movers” to being “experience managers”. This would lead to improved and more sustainable experiences for passengers and improved financial performance for the operators.’

Raymond Turner, Director, Raymond Turner Associates

‘The rail system is a mess and our roads are overcrowded. Not a good place to start from and no quick fixes. I think the key lies in understanding the detail of individual journeys. Designing out the bad experiences will make public

transport more attractive and more inclusive. I also think we need transparency on the real costs, subsidies and what happens to taxes and fines, so that people can make informed choices.’

Professor Roger Coleman, Co-director, The Helen Hamlyn Research Centre

‘We need more visionary UK train operators if we’re to achieve a world-class railway. Train operators would do well to follow Eurostar’s lead, which, even in tight times and under heavy competition, is investing in a massive regeneration of its services while redefining the whole experience of rail travel. The reality of new passenger lounges, state-of-the-art train interiors, reduced journey times and record speeds of 300 kilometres per hour are all things to inspire.’

Mark Bonner, Creative director, GBH

‘Overcoming uncertainty is one of the big challenges in making public transport more usable. We could dramatically reduce journey uncertainty by creating a universal real-time information system, which would be accessible through simple and attractive information points situated [in public spaces].’

Dorothy Mackenzie, Director, Dragon Brands