Produce a travel information leaflet

Raise community awareness of existing transport services with a travel information leaflet.

Producing a travel information leaflet may be suitable where there is:

  • a lack of awareness of existing transport services
  • a perceived transport need that is met by existing transport services

If you present the information in a clear, simple way, the leaflet doesn't need to be bigger than two sides of A4.

What to include in your leaflet

A travel information leaflet should contain information on:

  • transport services operating in your area (a community transport audit will provide you with a list of services)
  • where to find more details (timetables, fares, phone numbers)
  • new services or changes to existing services

Consider who your audience will be and what information they will want to know.

  • Younger people may want details on the last bus back, or how to use the text4times service
  • A person with a disability may want to contact the Dial a Ride service so they can discuss their transport needs
What not to include in your leaflet
  • Your leaflet does not need to be glossy or complicated. The simpler the better.
  • You do not need to reproduce details from existing publications (e.g. timetables). If you include too much detail, your leaflet will soon be out of date. You should instead point people to other sources of information for up to date details.
Other considerations
  • Is a neighbouring parish served by the same transport services? Consider producing a joint leaflet with them.
  • You may want to include information about services that travel to your community (e.g. mobile library, foot clinic).
  • Is this a one off publication, or will you update it on a regular basis? Who will be responsible for this and how will you pay for it?
  • Keep costs down by making the leaflet easy to photocopy. Professional colour printing will add to your costs.
Before publication
  • Consult with members of the community to make sure the information is relevant.
  • Is the leaflet easy to understand? Use Plain English and follow the guidance on the layout and design of printed publications.
  • Ask someone to proofread and check the leaflet for errors. This should be someone with a keen eye for detail who is not involved in the design or writing process. Repeat this process until you are confident the leaflet is correct.
  • Check that the information from service providers and transport operators is accurate.
Professional printing

If you choose to get your leaflet printed professionally, be aware of the following costs:

  • Is your leaflet in colour or black and white?
  • Does it need to be single sided or double sided?
  • How will the leaflet be folded?
Delivery methods

Cost effective methods

  • Deliver your leaflet door to door using volunteers
  • Send your leaflet out with the parish newsletter or magazine
  • Include a copy on the parish website
  • Ask local organisations (churches, schools, shops) to display the leaflet somewhere prominent

Paid methods

  • Include it as an insert in the local newspaper
  • Use the Royal Mail door to door service
Where to get further advice

Community Transport Team
Economy, Transport and Environment Department
Hampshire County Council

Phone: 01962 846785
Email: [email protected]

Resources
Case study
Mortimer West End, Silchester and Pamber

In April 2009, significant changes were made to transport services in the parishes of Mortimer West End, Silchester and Pamber. Some bus journeys were withdrawn and replaced with taxishare services.

Although public transport services were available, residents felt there was not adequate provision. Lack of awareness of existing transport services appeared to be an issue. A parish-centred information guide for the area was produced.

A representative from each parish met with members of the Hampshire County Council Community Transport Team to plan the content and design of the leaflet. One of the key features was the promotion of the new taxishare service, which was a new way of providing transport in the area.

Several drafts were circulated until all the details were correct. This process involved:

  • deciding what not to include
  • consistency of information provided for each transport service
  • amount of detail on each service
  • layout of the leaflet

The content was checked with each of the operators that ran the services listed in the leaflet. This turned out to be important, as Reading Buses were about to re-brand their services.

The finished travel information guide was distributed to 1,644 households by post, using the electoral register list of addresses. A further 1,300 leaflets were produced for the parishes to distribute to other locations around the area.