Audio/visual "next stop" announcements on buses

[joieman]

A few weeks ago I rode on a service 127 that was unusually terminating in Loughborough instead of Shepshed as that departure ought to have done. But the announcements didn't say whether the bus was terminating in Loughborough town centre or on Old Ashby Road outside Pitsford Drive (it was terminating at the latter). By way of comparison, the announcements (and destination blinds) for Shepshed specify Shepshed Bull Ring as the terminus, which is a redundant distinction as the weekday service to the Ox-Lea on Anson Road was discontinued a couple of years ago, with all buses to Shepshed using the former Sunday route.

 

[RJ]

I run an operation that only does rail replacement, so am getting involved with this. I purchased a Mercedes Citaro C2 which has Mobitec kit on board. McKenna have been very helpful with providing the Mobi Info Edit Advanced software and I've setting up destinations and routes.

I really wish there was a simulation feature in the app which played the exact announcements, because at the moment I'm doing the programming, loading to the bus and hoping for the best in reality! So far so good, seems to be working as designed.

 

[adam rogan]

One annoying things about Warrington's own buses volvo BZL's is that when the bus passes a stop, it will anounce the name of the next stop without specifying that that is what the next stop is. So if the next stop is let's say sankey street, and the one after is Leigh Street, the bus will anounce 'Leigh Street' just as it passes Sankey Street without stating that 'Next stop is such and such.' Unsure if that's how they have programmed it. You get used to it with time.

 

[N1]

I run an operation that only does rail replacement, so am getting involved with this. I purchased a Mercedes Citaro C2 which has Mobitec kit on board. McKenna have been very helpful with providing the Mobi Info Edit Advanced software and I've setting up destinations and routes.

I really wish there was a simulation feature in the app which played the exact announcements, because at the moment I'm doing the programming, loading to the bus and hoping for the best in reality! So far so good, seems to be working as designed.

If you don't mind me asking, how are you feeling about latest PSVAIR deadline for Rail Replacement? Do you feel you or others will be ready in time and do TOCs ever actually express a preference for PSVAIR compliant vehicles currently?

 

[RJ]

If you don't mind me asking, how are you feeling about latest PSVAIR deadline for Rail Replacement? Do you feel you or others will be ready in time and do TOCs ever actually express a preference for PSVAIR compliant vehicles currently?

Anything that makes public transport more inclusive is a good thing is my stance on it.

PSVAIR means different things to different operators. I operate pre-2024 low floor buses so for me I need the screens for forward facing passengers, plus the audio. Most of my fleet is pre-October 2014 so I have until the 1st October 2026 to comply with those vehicles. My Citaro C2 is newer than this so is already under the scope of the PSVAIR legislation and complies. The PSVAIR exemption was never applicable to me because I don't operate any coaches, so I never applied for one.

I think it will take a while for everyone to get their head around the nuances of the requirements. At the moment there still seems to be a lot of confusion between PSVAR and PSVAIR for a start. Minibuses in particular where PSVAIR applies to 16+ seaters, but I've seen this misquoted as 22+ seat which is only applicable to PSVAR. The declaration made by the DfT that there will be no extension to the exemption has been interpreted by some as everything in scope needing to comply by the 1st August 2026, but pre-October 2014 buses are the exception which appear to still have until the 1st October 2026.

Partially compliant buses, like the TfL fleet with the original LED iBus system can continue as-is until 1st October 2031. TfL manage all of the data that feeds these units, I can't see them spending any time creating route records to feed the visuals and audio for non-TfL TOC rail replacement routes so will be interesting to see if these will be permitted to cover these routes. If not then this may leave at least one TOC in this part of the world with quite a significant supply gap to fill.

Anyone who wants to do rail replacement work will have to find a way to comply. PSVAIR has been known about since at least 2023. The government made £4.65m of grants for supply and fitment of basic equipment available to operators with less than 20 buses and when this scheme closed on the 31st December 2025, at least £4.5m of this had been allocated to operators who applied. There is the challenge of the supply of equipment and labour to fit it, there are long waiting lists in places so even though who have been allocated grants might not have their vehicles ready by August or October 2026, and not for want of trying.

Surveys have been carried out and the DfT are of the view that there will be enough compliant coaches to cover the long distance type rail replacement come August 2026, hence the withdrawal of the exemption. Their research suggests around 65% of rail replacement uses coaches. As for the remaining 35% which must comprise of service bus and minibus allocations, I assume the research also confirms there's enough of these spare and available for rail replacement where needed.

Rail replacement is an important workstream for many operators. Some who only do a couple of duties a month if a closure happens to be nearby may or may not decide that compliance is worth it. Those who travel a fair way to to the work and have buses and dedicated drivers doing rail replacement 6 days a week or who are on £3k+ a day rates have probably found a way to get on with it by now.

Supplier preference is a complex topic and one only the solutions providers could really answer. Covering the work reliably and the way the solutions provider and TOC would like it done is a good start for maintaining a good business relationship and remaining in a position to bid for work. With PSVAIR supply, putting coaches aside, most buses that air PSVAIR ready are provincial service buses whose vehicles and drivers have contracted work to do, so spare resource is there but supply isn't unlimited. Other independents who don't operate contracted bus routes, but whose bread and butter is private hires, events, schools, industrial work etc may only need the equipment for rail replacement. Having it fitted would represent a valiant commitment to meeting the needs of the rail replacement sector, so if it's to be enforced seriously then one would assume these operators would be in a good place to bid for rail replacement work.

 

[markymark2000]

I think it will take a while for everyone to get their head around the nuances of the requirements. At the moment there still seems to be a lot of confusion between PSVAR and PSVAIR for a start. Minibuses in particular where PSVAIR applies to 16+ seaters, but I've seen this misquoted as 22+ seat which is only applicable to PSVAR. The declaration made by the DfT that there will be no extension to the exemption has been interpreted by some as everything in scope needing to comply by the 1st August 2026, but pre-October 2014 buses are the exception which appear to still have until the 1st October 2026.

I think that there is a LOT of misunderstandings going on with PSVAIR.
Many rail replacement providers (the ones who book the operators) are insisting that the law states that all Rail Rep comes into scope of PSVAIR when the law doesn't state that. Only routes where 51% of the route is carrying passengers 15 miles or less. If it's policy for all to comply, thats fine, but say it's policy, but they shouldn't be making up laws as they go along or to suit their own needs/wants which is what is an increasingly common thing with rail rep providers.
Same as all of the paperwork that they are now throwing on buses blocking up windscreens, including many of the stop lists which are being stuck up but the text on the stop lists is too small to actually comply with the law. Alongside many other inaccuracies being spouted by rail rep firms in relation to the law.
Of course there is the issue with inconsistent accessibility rules for minibuses too.


I think the whole policy has been ruined by numpty overpaid, brainless civil servants who refused to make the rules consistent (Wouldn't have been that hard to spec AIR to be 22+ seats) and set stupid timelines which don't take into account the supply chain. And FAR too many rail replacement firms making up rules as they go along to suit their own needs.

 

[pr1]

Apologies for not knowing the full terminology/makes and models for this post. Just going off what has been said on page 6 of this thread, I used a Stagecoach, and an Arriva, from Birkenhead Bus Station to Prenton/Woodchurch at various points over the weekend just gone.

I noticed that the Stagecoach used "Asda", "Birkenhead Library", and "Sainsbury's" on its on-board announcements, while on the same route, Arriva used "Catherine Street", "Shaw Street", and (I think) "Cambridge Street".

If the regulations state that companies should use the same names, then that isn't being observed, though I'm only using examples heard once each during the weekend just passed. I can't say that any passengers were inconvenienced or what have you, it was just notable that two companies, on the same route, used different names for some shared stops.

 

[Contains Nuts]

I run an operation that only does rail replacement, so am getting involved with this. I purchased a Mercedes Citaro C2 which has Mobitec kit on board. McKenna have been very helpful with providing the Mobi Info Edit Advanced software and I've setting up destinations and routes.

I really wish there was a simulation feature in the app which played the exact announcements, because at the moment I'm doing the programming, loading to the bus and hoping for the best in reality! So far so good, seems to be working as designed.

You could build a bench test kit which connects to a laptop as the software has a GPS simulator built into it. It would cost around £1,500 as you would need a sign, controller, speaker, cabling and switches to simulate door feeds and bell pushes. Probably worth the investment in the long term if you are going to keep programming new routes.

 

[markymark2000]

Apologies for not knowing the full terminology/makes and models for this post. Just going off what has been said on page 6 of this thread, I used a Stagecoach, and an Arriva, from Birkenhead Bus Station to Prenton/Woodchurch at various points over the weekend just gone.

I noticed that the Stagecoach used "Asda", "Birkenhead Library", and "Sainsbury's" on its on-board announcements, while on the same route, Arriva used "Catherine Street", "Shaw Street", and (I think) "Cambridge Street".

If the regulations state that companies should use the same names, then that isn't being observed, though I'm only using examples heard once each during the weekend just passed. I can't say that any passengers were inconvenienced or what have you, it was just notable that two companies, on the same route, used different names for some shared stops.

From what you are saying, it looks like Arriva is using the current stop names (which match what is on Naptan. In laymans terms for this context, the national bus stop database).
Stagecoach Merseyside, I know from experiences in Chester (and it's done by the same team) are using very old version of Naptan for no logical reason (other than their inability to do their jobs and refresh Naptan in their systems so that it reflects the current decade).
As such, almost all stop that has changed it's stop name or location in the past 8-10 years, isn't reflected on Stagecoach Merseyside next stop announcements.

 

[Simon75]

Apologies for not knowing the full terminology/makes and models for this post. Just going off what has been said on page 6 of this thread, I used a Stagecoach, and an Arriva, from Birkenhead Bus Station to Prenton/Woodchurch at various points over the weekend just gone.

I noticed that the Stagecoach used "Asda", "Birkenhead Library", and "Sainsbury's" on its on-board announcements, while on the same route, Arriva used "Catherine Street", "Shaw Street", and (I think) "Cambridge Street".

If the regulations state that companies should use the same names, then that isn't being observed, though I'm only using examples heard once each during the weekend just passed. I can't say that any passengers were inconvenienced or what have you, it was just notable that two companies, on the same route, used different names for some shared stops.

D&G and First Potteries announcements can vary on duplicate sections of route
Also few stops could do with more relevant announcements ie a pub in Macclesfield isn't mentioned but a road is mentioned. Bradwell in Newcastle-under-Lyme mentions a church , rather than the shops .

 

[pr1]

Appreciate that @markymark2000 .

 

[RJ]

You could build a bench test kit which connects to a laptop as the software has a GPS simulator built into it. It would cost around £1,500 as you would need a sign, controller, speaker, cabling and switches to simulate door feeds and bell pushes. Probably worth the investment in the long term if you are going to keep programming new routes.

Would need someone to help with the development of that though. I can run a bus operation, with the multitude of roles that encompasses but would have to delegate such technical projects! At the moment I’m looking at kitting all the buses out with Mobitec displays.

This afternoon’s role was to create sound files for hundreds of stations in the south east of England. The pronunciation of a choice few was fun to get right, Ore and Seaford were good ones!

I’m guessing everyone else will go for one of the easier options of voice recording their own, or hiring someone like Emma Hignett to do them, or asking whoever does the on-train announcement programming to supply their sound files - or simply outsourcing all the programming to someone with the time to do it (chargeable service no doubt!)

Need some structure with programming as there are so many service patterns. I’ve decided to use the old Southern Region route numbers for routes in this area, so for Victoria to East Croydon via Streatham Common example, all the patterns from the weekend just gone are under route 78.

 

[DanielTheEMid]

Would need someone to help with the development of that though. I can run a bus operation, with the multitude of roles that encompasses but would have to delegate such technical projects! At the moment I’m looking at kitting all the buses out with Mobitec displays.

This afternoon’s role was to create sound files for hundreds of stations in the south east of England. The pronunciation of a choice few was fun to get right, Ore and Seaford were good ones!

I’m guessing everyone else will go for one of the easier options of voice recording their own, or hiring someone like Emma Hignett to do them, or asking whoever does the on-train announcement programming to supply their sound files - or simply outsourcing all the programming to someone with the time to do it (chargeable service no doubt!)

Need some structure with programming as there are so many service patterns. I’ve decided to use the old Southern Region route numbers for routes in this area, so for Victoria to East Croydon via Streatham Common example, all the patterns from the weekend just gone are under route 78.

I think Matthew Streeton might be a good shout for the train announcements program. He does GTR

 

[RJ]

I think Matthew Streeton might be a good shout for the train announcements program. He does GTR

Good shout indeed! I created sound files for the entire GTR network, almost 400 stations so they will have to do

 

[PeterC]

I was on Carousel Route 105 yesterday and noticed that the voice announcements were sometimes out of sync with the visual and stuck at a previous stop. They would correct after a short while but sadly skipped the King George V pub. Where stops named after pubs end "PH" this is announces as "pee aitch" and I was waiting to hear if this one would be "vee", "fifth" or "five".

 

[RJ]

I was on Carousel Route 105 yesterday and noticed that the voice announcements were sometimes out of sync with the visual and stuck at a previous stop. They would correct after a short while but sadly skipped the King George V pub. Where stops named after pubs end "PH" this is announces as "pee aitch" and I was waiting to hear if this one would be "vee", "fifth" or "five".

I would guess this is down to how it's programmed. It might be the software the programmer uses automatically generates voice files that match the stop name, or someone maybe batch produced the voice files without refining things like this.

 

[Tester]

I would guess this is down to how it's programmed. It might be the software the programmer uses automatically generates voice files that match the stop name, or someone maybe batch produced the voice files without refining things like this.

A Melbourne one I hear regularly when there is Clayton Nth Primary School, which comes out as enth (as in nth power).

 

[DanielTheEMid]

I would guess this is down to how it's programmed. It might be the software the programmer uses automatically generates voice files that match the stop name, or someone maybe batch produced the voice files without refining things like this.

Trent and Nottingham city transport have real voices doing theirs.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

I find Nottingham city transport’s quite unique considering they have their announcements come off the ticket machine system rather than the display system

 

[ACBest]

I would guess this is down to how it's programmed. It might be the software the programmer uses automatically generates voice files that match the stop name, or someone maybe batch produced the voice files without refining things like this.

Basically that - I generated each of our stop names individually which allowed me to fine tune how things were pronounced, and in the case of pub names, omit the ‘PH’ bit from the announcement.

 

[DanielTheEMid]

Basically that - I generated each of our stop names individually which allowed me to fine tune how things were pronounced, and in the case of pub names, omit the ‘PH’ bit from the announcement.

SCEM do say public house on the 53 and 56. Some still use the old elevenlabs program.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

Basically that - I generated each of our stop names individually which allowed me to fine tune how things were pronounced, and in the case of pub names, omit the ‘PH’ bit from the announcement.

For me, I would record my own as tts companies have had controversial past. Even Amazon Polly (basically what happened was, I have heard voiceover Geraint pickard, who was used in training the Welsh Geraint voice model was never told his voice is going to be public. He isn’t happy about this)

 

[dmtransport841]

Trent and Nottingham city transport have real voices doing theirs.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

I find Nottingham city transport’s quite unique considering they have their announcements come off the ticket machine system rather than the display system

Transdev also use real voices for their announcements.
As of note, I think the latest Arriva Leicester streetdecks have forgot to install speakers upstairs (I've noticed zero!) because when I did a 74 reg electroliner on 127, only downstairs was working. Hopefully Salisbury Reds and Southern Vectis remember to install theirs upstairs before entering service

Other operators I've noticed in the past: Does anyone know if Blackpool still uses the 3 (or was it 4)-tone before every single announcement? I find that so annoying and needed to be removed.

Does any other operator have like a loud tone (like 2-tone, similar to East Midlands Airport "ladies and gentlemen...") at the very start of the route? I'm aware High Peak do (even Hulleys by High Peak).

Another observation (only happened once), was on one of the 73 reg Mansfield MMC's, even if a bus didn't stop, it still says "this is..." passing it, sometimes cut off as the next voiceover part was played.

Anyway our local network (NCT) now plays an announcement if a bus is on diversion, something they never did in the past. Trent also do but only if the drivers feel like pressing the button.

 

[joieman]

As of note, I think the latest Arriva Leicester streetdecks have forgot to install speakers upstairs (I've noticed zero!) because when I did a 74 reg electroliner on 127, only downstairs was working.

I think the speakers are concealed in the vents along the ceiling on Arriva's 23/73/74/25-plate Electroliners.

The 75-plate ones seems to have had the ceiling vent design changed. And as of when I last rode them, the only audio announcements that were played were after the bell was pressed, instructing passengers to stay in their seats until the bus stopped. I've not heard this message played on the older Electroliners, and I personally think it's a superfluous message.

 

[E B]

I've not heard this message played on the older Electroliners, and I personally think it's a superfluous message.

This announcement has recently been added to the Stagecoach Yutongs in Nuneaton aswell

 

[dgl]

This announcement has recently been added to the Stagecoach Yutongs in Nuneaton aswell

A similar message is also played on First Wessex's buses that have just had next stop equipment fitted (Streetlite's, E400's, Gemini 2's), not sure if the E400MMC's have started doing it yet or not as the next stop system wasn't working/enabled on my last journey.

 

[DanielTheEMid]

This announcement has recently been added to the Stagecoach Yutongs in Nuneaton aswell

SCEM used to do it but is going as announcements are now live in Gainsborough. Lincoln is probably next going to replace it with the gps kit going live soon

 

[BuhSnarf]

This announcement has recently been added to the Stagecoach Yutongs in Nuneaton aswell

I noticed that the X7 and X4 I travelled on last week had this announcement, they also have a display that just shows the time and welcome aboard - nothing relevant to the route.

I did also note that the time only changed each time the display changed (so when doors were opened it briefly changed to "Welcome Aboard" and then back to the time.

Therefore on the X buses with big gaps between stops the time could be about 15 minutes out at times! I'm guessing a new system which doesn't link in to the ticket machine / GPS etc?

 

[dgl]

I noticed that the X7 and X4 I travelled on last week had this announcement, they also have a display that just shows the time and welcome aboard - nothing relevant to the route.

I did also note that the time only changed each time the display changed (so when doors were opened it briefly changed to "Welcome Aboard" and then back to the time.

Therefore on the X buses with big gaps between stops the time could be about 15 minutes out at times! I'm guessing a new system which doesn't link in to the ticket machine / GPS etc?

That's exactly the same as the system they've fitted to the buses down in First Wessex land that didn't already have something fitted, I guess proper announcements will come soon.

 

[dmtransport841]

That's exactly the same as the system they've fitted to the buses down in First Wessex land that didn't already have something fitted, I guess proper announcements will come soon.

Red Arrow by Trent used to announce Derby bus station as their final stop just as they left QMC (at least 20 minutes before it even arrived). Not sure if that's still the case

 

[AB93]

That's exactly the same as the system they've fitted to the buses down in First Wessex land that didn't already have something fitted, I guess proper announcements will come soon.

It’s the Hanover test file.

 

[rownd]

Does anyone know if Blackpool still uses the 3 (or was it 4)-tone before every single announcement? I find that so annoying and needed to be removed.

Having been up there this weekend; BTS are still using the four tones on the bus announcements. Trams were just destination and next stop announced at each station.