// Information about the coach terminal itself and services offered on-site |  Information about the coach terminal itself and services offered on-site have to be made available for current and potential users. Services that nobody knows exist or that nobody knows how to use are worthless. That is why, information platforms of various types are necessary in order to increase the awareness of the existence of transport and other services amongst potential and already existing coach terminal users.
Through the publication of coach terminal plans, websites, information counters and stands, people would be informed about the possibilities for reserving travel tickets, general information on availability of services, coach routes, destinations, potential alternative solutions, schedules, duration of travel, travel costs and possible reductions. Furthermore, information on various options of payment and cost compensation in case of travel cancellation should be provided. This should be followed by information about other services, such as luggage storage, the use of waiting lounges and rest rooms, physical assistance for people with reduced mobility. Information on passenger rights and obligations should also be made available for coach terminal users. Example: LCD passenger information displays at Stockholm Cityterminalen inform passengers about delays, departure and arrival platforms and facilities and services available in the terminal. All departing and arriving buses report to the Cityterminalen traffic control. Traffic control makes sure that the departing buses and gate numbers are correct, and that the correct information is displayed in the terminal. By keeping close contact with bus carriers and drivers, traffic control can ensure seamless and safe bus traffic at the terminal. | // Independent management of coach terminals |  At coach terminals where a vertical integration between coach and terminal operators is to be found, systems and regulations guaranteeing all operators equal rights to operate from the terminal would bring operators and their passengers additional benefits.
Example: The Brasov coach terminal in Romania is managed and organised by a public & private partnership. The Brasov municipality financed the construction of a coach terminal with a total investment of €2.5 million. This new terminal is connected to local transport services, houses a police station, a guarded parking area for 140 cars, a waiting room for passengers, ticket offices, an information office, a duty doctor and 30 commercial spaces on two floors (total surface of 2,200 square meters). Reportedly, new entrants are enthusiastic about the Brasov terminal, as the terminal management ensures independence and equal access rights for all. | // 24 hours coach service centres |  24-hour coach maintenance services must be available, including cleaning and washing facilities, rubbish and toilet waste disposals, repair work and refuelling facilities, to ensure good quality service and attract more customers. Example: Together with Bremer Strassenbahn AG (BSAG), the city of Bremen offers a 24-hour maintenance servicefor coaches. This includes facilities for washing the exterior, interior cleaning, disposal of rubbish and toilet waste, engine wash, re-fuelling and other repair works. | | | // Facilities for coach drivers | The creation of bus and coach drivers’ facilities, such as drivers’ lounges, kitchens and washing facilities, are an important step towards improving service and increasing coach tourism. Amenities of this type allow coach drivers to take a rest and prepare their own meals, i.e. while tourists explore the city. Example: Southport (UK) has already introduced such facilities successfully, which, in combination with similar measures to welcome groups of tourists, has resulted in a record growth of coach tourism visits, including during the low tourist season, i.e. from no single coach having visited the city in January and February 1995, to more than 300 coaches in 2008. | For more information: Southport application for IRU City Trophy
Stockholm voted most friendly coach city |
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