Star Trak Problems

The Star Trak system was a multi-million pound project that was meant to transform the city's bus network - but seven years after it was introduced, it still does not work properly.

Buses have been fitted with on-board computers and a tracking system linked to a satellite.This beams information to the bus stop displays and waiting passengers can then be able to see how long the next bus will be. However, there have been numerous problems with the system over the last seven years and some say it should now be scrapped altogether.

Among the complaints about the system have been that bus stop terminals displays do not work or have the stated wait for the next bus constantly change or is wrong.

Western Park ward Lib Dem councillor Roger Blackmore told local press, "A lot of the Star Trak systems are not working. I have asked the council to look at that. If Star Trak is going to be useful in promoting better use of the buses then the system needs to be made reliable. It is becoming increasingly important to people to get real time information."