DPB is improving passenger orientation all summer long: new coloured boards, a diagram similar to a metro, and navigation during road closures

An additional coloured board distinguishes the lines at first glance

As part of the construction of the new trolleybus line, new electronic information boards with coloured displays were added at the Zoo and Habánsky mlyn stops. These will complement the 282 boards that are already operating in the city. With the colour display, individual lines can be distinguished by the same colour as they are on vehicle displays and in timetables. Passengers can thus identify their line at first glance, regardless of whether they are looking at a board, a vehicle or a timetable.

Green stickers will lead passengers to the TAPni validators

The TAPni service, which allows passengers to purchase a ticket directly at the validator with a payment card or mobile phone, has gained great popularity since its launch and is one of the most successful DPB innovations in recent times. Using it, passengers can quickly and easily purchase both basic and discounted tickets without looking for a machine or shop.

DPB has also listened to the requests of passengers who wanted ticket validators with TAPni support to be easier to find in vehicles. It is therefore currently installing on all vehicles distinctive green stickers that lead riders to the nearest such marker. While in new vehicles all validators support the TAPni function, in some older ones, only one of them does. Thanks to the stickers on the doors, passengers can see where the validator is located prior to boarding and don’t have to look for it once on board. Additional good news for passengers is that DPB plans to gradually install new validators with TAPni support in older vehicles, too.

Pilot project for increasing pedestrian safety at the Segnerova tram stop

The safety of pedestrians, passengers and all road users is an absolute priority for DPB and is reflected in everything the company does, from new vehicles to infrastructure. An example is the new tram line in Petržalka which offers above-standard security at crossings, including road lighting and prominent warning signs.

Preparations are currently in full swing to increase the safety of crossings in other parts of the city, too. The pilot project is** warning signage at the Segnerova stop, which will warn pedestrians that trams are passing through the section and encourage them to look around before crossing the tracks**. The paint is a distinctive yellow with additional components to prevent it being slippery. DPB will assess the pilot site and, if approved, it is ready to gradually apply the markings to other high-risk locations in the public transport network.

Explained Martin Rybanský, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DPB:

“Quality public transport starts at the stop, at the moment when passengers need to orient themselves. Therefore, along with the massive renewal of the vehicle fleet, we are also systematically improving information and orientation throughout the network. Distinctive stickers, colourful boards, clear line diagrams and navigation during closures are additional concrete steps that make travel easier. Our long-term aim is passenger comfort at every stage of their journey, from arriving at the stop to getting off."

The tram route presented as in a metro system

DPB launched pilot testing of a new tram diagram at the Račianske mýto stop. Passengers can immediately see which other stops the line will serve on its route. The information is presented in larger font than in the timetable and is therefore easier to read. The diagram also depicts the options for transferring to other public transport lines, much like the diagrams placed above the doors in vehicles.

The innovation follows on previously implemented improvements, such as the large name of the stop in the shelter or a map of the surrounding area. If the solution proves successful, DPB plans to equip other tram stops with such route diagrams next year.

Navigation to alternative transport

By the end of July, navigation signs that direct passengers to the nearest service stop for replacement transport when it has been deployed will be added to the display cases at tram stops. The navigation is adapted for each platform separately. In simpler cases, the passenger will be directed by an arrow, and in places that are more difficult to navigate, a map will be available. Similar solutions work successfully in Germany, for example. Navigation will serve for case of emergencies and planned closures, which DPB informs about with separate announcements.