(16 Dec 2020, 10:29 am)omnicity4659 wrote I used the X84 as an example, there will always be places where the route number would be obscured regardless by other vehicles and street furniture, but it isn't as likely with them displayed on the right.I personally think on the left is better. Much easier to see in main interchanges, if vehicles are parked on the roadside, you will be able to see the route number first, which would otherwise be obscured until the last moment (central station good example of this). If the there was traffic, then surely they wont be travelling at speed, meaning you wont miss it. Also I'd imagine the drivers wont be in a bumper to bumper convoy, preventing you seeing the bus coming....unless you are standing in the middle of the road.
Colours and other special features should not be relied on when identifying any type of vehicle, not just limited to buses. Note that a lot of people are colourblind so may not be able to see the real colour of their bus.
Yes some people are colourblind, however they will still be able to notice a visible contrast. Colours aren't used solely for identifying different routes, however it does increase accessibility on main bus routes, especially those who have impaired vision