Neil Williams wrote:
On Fri, 13 May 2005 00:19:25 -0000, (Mark Brader) wrote:
Yes, an LED display is programmable and therefore wins on cost and
flexibility when it has to be changed. And multiple displays on
the same bus or train can all be made to change at once. But the
roller blind still wins hands down in terms of legibility, it seems
to me, and that's worth quite a bit.
I disagree - I find LEDs (as distinct from flipdot displays) far
easier to read from a distance than blinds due to the very high
contrast. Because they are operationally easier, as well, it is more
likely that they will be set correctly, which given that nobody is
pefect is a significant benefit.
I very rarely see an incorrectly-set blind. Sometimes buses stop short
of the terminus listed, but in those cases it seems to be a decision
taken whilst I am already on board, so I can't see when the destination
changes - in that case, an internal LED would be useful.
I see little legibility difference between the high-contrast LEDs in use
in some cities, and the blinds used in London. However, I find that
operators tend to over-use the external LEDs, having them display
alternate information (e.g. terminus / intermediate stops), which I
think is extremely irritating - you have to stare at the display for
longer as a bus approaches to take in all the information. In that
respect, I find TfL blinds superior. I appreciate that some people may
prefer the possibility of "extra" information on the LEDs, but I just
find it annoying.
--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London