NEW bus shelters are being installed across Salisbury and other parts of Wiltshire to pave the way for the introduction of Real Time Passenger Information.

When it is launched and operating, in the spring of 2004, RTPI will enable bus passengers to see when their bus is due to arrive in 'real time' - a system similar to that used on the London Underground.

RPTI and the new bus shelters form part of a major project to provide better public transport information and encourage more people to use public transport.

More than 170 new real-time compatible bus shelters are being installed across south Wiltshire and various other parts of the county.

The new shelters will feature real-time displays and will have improved lighting to increase passenger safety.

Many other existing bus shelters will be upgraded to accommodate the new real-time displays.

Passengers will initially be able to see an arrival time for their bus on an electronic display, which will change to a countdown as the bus moves to within 20 minutes of the stop.

In areas where shelters cannot be installed, bus stop flags will give an electronic countdown.

Displays will also give details of whether the bus is easily accessible for wheelchair users and buggies.

Visually impaired people will be able to get audio versions of the information at the stops.