Audio/visual "next stop" announcements on buses

[jon0844]

Following some social media advertised testing sessions a few weeks ago, Uno (Herts) has at last got the next stop info working on its new BYD EV buses - although there was no sound on mine. For months it has just shown a PC BIOS like display showing key info from the bus itself (from battery status to GPS co-ordinates and much more).

The display is different to the other Uno buses, including the route number, next stop, the following stop, plus how many stops to the final destination.

There's also a single line LED display that is blank. Not sure if that's supposed to display anything (again, before, it paged through vehicle diagnostic info).

 

[py_megapixel]

Sheffield:

First, running buses both with none fitted, doubles & singles.

Stagecoach: all Trident E400’s except one (19514) have none fitted & are in daily service. Some Scania’s have none fitted based out of Ecclesfield. Went on 15661 last Friday on 88 which was fitted but only had the clock/date showing & the please remain in seats announcement.

TM Travel: some of the E400’s have been fitted with a large majority of the fleet not fitted with them.

Stagecoach in Sheffield are doing very poorly. Not only are the majority of the E400s not fitted, but the E200s - while the audio does work on at least some of them - have displays which are permanently blank.

First just seems to have a few stragglers now that aren't fitted at all, although they still have a long way to go before the system actually works reliably on all buses.

I was impressed to see that Hammonds Coaches, which has just taken over the H1 service connecting the Sheffield hospitals, has got the displays working pretty much from the start. I don't know whether the audio works.

 

[BuhSnarf]

Following some social media advertised testing sessions a few weeks ago, Uno (Herts) has at last got the next stop info working on its new BYD EV buses - although there was no sound on mine. For months it has just shown a PC BIOS like display showing key info from the bus itself (from battery status to GPS co-ordinates and much more).

The display is different to the other Uno buses, including the route number, next stop, the following stop, plus how many stops to the final destination.

There's also a single line LED display that is blank. Not sure if that's supposed to display anything (again, before, it paged through vehicle diagnostic info).

View attachment 212830

Uno have surprisingly been slow off the mark with many of their buses and routes when it comes to Next Stop Announcements (NSA) even when having the kit onboard. Someone who commented on my video about NSAs stated that they had done some work for Uno and found that the person who had come in to get the NSA displays working hadn't particularly done a good job so I wonder if that has something to do with it.

Where is the single LED display? Is it facing forwards, if so it would be the display for rear facing disabled passengers and so should replicate this display by showing the next stop.

 

[jon0844]

No, the other display is just at the front of the bus facing towards the back. It was previously scrolling through the same info shown on the screen but is now blank.

 

[kevjs]

Interestingly I noticed Nottingham City transports buses annoncence they are on diversion after the next stop and to ask the driver for assistance (while already turning off the usual route), but no indication that it's on diversion on the visual displays - shown here while crossing the tram lines so would usually have all the stops though the Meadows shown, but nope straight to where it rejoins the usual route at Victoria Embankment, ignoring all the stops on the diversion (possibly complicated by the first one being suspended and a temporary stop in it's place further round).

 

[MCR247]

Interestingly I noticed Nottingham City transports buses annoncence they are on diversion after the next stop and to ask the driver for assistance (while already turning off the usual route), but no indication that it's on diversion on the visual displays - shown here while crossing the tram lines so would usually have all the stops though the Meadows shown, but nope straight to where it rejoins the usual route at Victoria Embankment, ignoring all the stops on the diversion (possibly complicated by the first one being suspended and a temporary stop in it's place further round).

That’s odd, as the NCT Yutongs do have the ability to show and announce the stops on the diversion route when it is implemented in the system correctly. I saw this one evening on a diverted 18 when University Boulevard was closed for resurfacing (and indeed a couple of other passengers noticed this and pointed it out to each other too).

 

[dmtransport841]

Interestingly I noticed Nottingham City transports buses annoncence they are on diversion after the next stop and to ask the driver for assistance (while already turning off the usual route), but no indication that it's on diversion on the visual displays - shown here while crossing the tram lines so would usually have all the stops though the Meadows shown, but nope straight to where it rejoins the usual route at Victoria Embankment, ignoring all the stops on the diversion (possibly complicated by the first one being suspended and a temporary stop in it's place further round).

This was done manually by the driver, same with the "We're waiting at this bus stop for a few minutes". So each bus have additional announcements on screen to use if ever needed. Not everyone uses it though

 

[MCR247]

This was done manually by the driver, same with the "We're waiting at this bus stop for a few minutes". So each bus have additional announcements on screen to use if ever needed. Not everyone uses it though

I think there is also one for a bus swap/bus terminating short asking passengers to change to the bus behind

 

[Rail2002]

I hate these audio announcements. I prefer it when an older bus turns up that doesn't have them. I feel for the drivers who have to listen to it day in, day out. I don't mind it on trains, as it's not constant but with buses, it's every stop.

 

[jon0844]

I hate these audio announcements. I prefer it when an older bus turns up that doesn't have them. I feel for the drivers who have to listen to it day in, day out. I don't mind it on trains, as it's not constant but with buses, it's every stop.

That's the idea. It makes the buses more accessible. Get some noise cancelling headphones and the problem goes away.

 

[Observer]

That's the idea. It makes the buses more accessible. Get some noise cancelling headphones and the problem goes away.

Drivers can't have noise cancelling headphones though. And many companies ban personal radios and earpieces. So what's your solution to that?

 

[jon0844]

Drivers can't have noise cancelling headphones though. And many companies ban personal radios and earpieces. So what's your solution to that?

Are drivers complaining about it? Surely they can see the benefit for making buses easier to use for those with disabilities as well as people who may be out of towners and appreciate knowing where their stop is.

Given the use of public transport keeps them in a job, I doubt there's an issue with the driver hearing every stop announced. I doubt the speakers are pointed into the cab anyway.

 

[sytransport]

Becomes background noise after long enough as a driver. Always someone moaning for the sake of moaning!

 

[py_megapixel]

A stop name being read out every minute or so is surely much less annoying than the constant stream of loud Tik Toks etc. that happens on many buses I get on. And of course the former serves an accessibility purpose, while the latter doesn't.

 

[Rail2002]

A stop name being read out every minute or so is surely much less annoying than the constant stream of loud Tik Toks etc. that happens on many buses I get on. And of course the former serves an accessibility purpose, while the latter doesn't.

The two things are completely different issues. The announcements are regimented noise, where as cell phone noise is unauthorised nuissance.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Saturday at 21:43 ==

That's the idea. It makes the buses more accessible. Get some noise cancelling headphones and the problem goes away.

Many pelican crossings now no longer beep for some reason. Yet, bus companies are being forced to apply these incessant announcements. It doesn't make sense. Customers, including those with disabilities, have for many years been able to ask the driver to tell them when they arrive at their destination, e.g. Museum, Hospital. It's not been trouble because it only happened occasionally. "Press for information" buttons could also be applied, rather than broadcasting every stop to every customer.

From a customer perspective, it's really annoying and I've spoken to drivers who also find it annoying. As I said earlier, it's different to rail or metro services, as the stops are naturally more frequent and plentiful.

 

[Vexed]

Many pelican crossings now no longer beep for some reason.

It's generally for noise pollution or if there are multiple in proximity where it could cause confusion. They have a spinning cone on the underside that blind people can use instead of the beep.

Pelican crossings are gradually being replaced with Puffin crossings that detect the pedestrians waiting to cross and pedestrians currently on the crossing. They also don't have a flashing amber phase.

 

[SSmith2009]

Given the use of public transport keeps them in a job, I doubt there's an issue with the driver hearing every stop announced. I doubt the speakers are pointed into the cab anyway.

Generally speaking I've noticed the speakers are located above the wheelchair bay then about half way up the bus (on the driver side) with another at the rear.

I know of some drivers who unplug a wire from their ticketer machine that is for the NSA announcements

 

[py_megapixel]

Customers, including those with disabilities, have for many years been able to ask the driver to tell them when they arrive at their destination, e.g. Museum, Hospital. It's not been trouble because it only happened occasionally.

OK, and what happens if the driver forgets? What if the driver refuses to help? What if the driver wants to help but has no idea about the stop names on their route (this seems to be surprisingly common)? What if the passenger's disability makes it difficult for them to communicate with the driver, or what if they find it unpleasant to have to rely on asking the driver every single time they board the bus?

The fact that some people find the announcements a bit annoying does not merit denying the ability for some passengers to travel at all. The accessibility feature should simply be there by default for everyone who needs it.

I know of some drivers who unplug a wire from their ticketer machine that is for the NSA announcements

If a driver does this they are causing their employer to break accessibility law, and I would expect any bus company worth its salt to take a very dim view of it.

Stop announcements are at worst a minor annoyance for drivers, yet they perform a very important accessibility function and have been standard in other parts of the world and indeed in London for years. I have to agree that most complaints for them are simply moaning for the sake of moaning.

 

[GusB]

My own experience of announcements has been quite minimal - two buses in two years. The first was in April last year when I tried out one of Stagecoach's then-new Yutong coaches. My biggest concern on that occasion was that the announcements weren't made early enough and that it would be quite easy for someone to be over-carried if they didn't react quickly enough; the driver agreed with me when I mentioned it to him as I alighted.

The only other time I've seen and heard them in operation was a few weeks ago on the rare occasion when an Enviro 400 turned up on my route.

I think almost all of the buses I've been on lately have had dot-matrix displays fitted at the front, but they mostly display the date and time and nothing else.

Customers, including those with disabilities, have for many years been able to ask the driver to tell them when they arrive at their destination, e.g. Museum, Hospital. It's not been trouble because it only happened occasionally.

The trouble with that approach is that drivers are human and sometimes they may forget that a passenger has asked to be advised when they reach their stop. It also means that they have to have a brief conversation with the driver and that would upset certain members of the forum!

"Press for information" buttons could also be applied, rather than broadcasting every stop to every customer.

How is someone with a visual impairment supposed to see where these "Press for information" buttons are located and how do you ensure that they won't be confused with existing bell-push buttons? You could actually end up in a situation where you actually hear more announcements!

If I'm being brutally honest, I also find the announcements irritating; however, I accept that they're there for a very good reason and if it means that someone with a disability is able to travel when they'd otherwise be deterred from doing so, it can only be a good thing. Besides, while I'm reasonably healthy and able now, there may come a time in the future when I have to rely on them.

 

[Vexed]

It's such a contrast reading about next stop announcements being regularly broken or not installed yet. Here in Southampton, Bluestar has had them for years and they work 95% of the time. They can also set diversion announcements, though they only usually do this for longer running roadworks.

 

[M60lad]

Had a ride on a Square Peg MMC200 from White Rose-Colton in Leeds yesterday on their 9 service and that hadn't got any form of Next Stop system fitted

 

[TUC]

Many pelican crossings now no longer beep for some reason. Yet, bus companies are being forced to apply these incessant announcements. It doesn't make sense.

That is because many light- controlled crossings now have a spindle under the 'Wait' push button box which rotates when the green man appears. There isn't an equivalent for identifying each bus stop.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Sunday at 07:22 ==

From a customer perspective, it's really annoying and I've spoken to drivers who also find it annoying.

Sorry, but so what? Having to make accommodations for other people is part of being a member of society. Sometimes one has to walk more slowly because there's no way of getting around the old lady with walking difficulties. Sometimes one has to wait to get off a train because a wheelchair user needs to get off first. It's no hardship.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Sunday at 07:26 ==

Customers, including those with disabilities, have for many years been able to ask the driver to tell them when they arrive at their destination, e.g. Museum, Hospital. It's not been trouble because it only happened occasionally. "Press for information" buttons could also be applied, rather than broadcasting every stop to every customer.

There is dignity and independence from knowing for yourself in the same way as everyone else when your stop is approachin. As for 'press for information' buttons, even if a person can locate them, are they meant to press them on multiple occasions during the journey, perhaps having to walk down the bus each time to do so, to check when their stop is near?

 

[Rail2002]

There could be brail signage next to it.

How is someone with a visual impairment supposed to see where these "Press for information" buttons

 

[TUC]

There could be brail signage next to it.

I mean how do you locate where on the bus the information button is located? Braille is no help until you have identified how many seats away, and on which side of the bus, such a button is placed. Rather like finding the bell.

 

[Metroman62]

There could be brail signage next to it.

Most visually impaired people do not read / use brail. Most visually impaired people have some level of vision, but trying to locate a special button can be hard

 

[dgl]

Back in First Wessex land buses now mention to align for the railway station when announcing the Bus Garage stop and on the E400MMC I was on the other day that had the full next stop screen (not just the dot matrix) displayed the next trains from Weymouth Station and whether they were on time or not when we got to the Bus Garage.
Alas only the ex. Bristol (65) and ex Cornwall (66) E400MMC's, and the few Wright Gemini 2's have the full screens.

 

[Park47515]

The two things are completely different issues. The announcements are regimented noise, where as cell phone noise is unauthorised nuissance.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: Saturday at 21:43 ==


Many pelican crossings now no longer beep for some reason. Yet, bus companies are being forced to apply these incessant announcements. It doesn't make sense. Customers, including those with disabilities, have for many years been able to ask the driver to tell them when they arrive at their destination, e.g. Museum, Hospital. It's not been trouble because it only happened occasionally. "Press for information" buttons could also be applied, rather than broadcasting every stop to every customer.

From a customer perspective, it's really annoying and I've spoken to drivers who also find it annoying. As I said earlier, it's different to rail or metro services, as the stops are naturally more frequent and plentiful.

The other useful benefit aside from the massive assistance it gives people with any type of disability - is it absolutely is a benefit in rural areas in the dark where the bus stops in the middle of nowhere! Heck even in "urban" parts of Mid Sussex in October it's helpful.

 

[GusB]

There could be brail signage next to it.

Dearie me, you really haven't thought this through, have you?

 

[TUC]

Some of these comments do feel like those who dislike noise, but are able (even if imperfectly) to mitigate this, expecting those who have no way of mitigating being unable to see being the ones who have to compromise.

 

[chris53]

Most visually impaired people do not read / use brail. Most visually impaired people have some level of vision, but trying to locate a special button can be hard

Braille is declining in usage, I know quite a few people with visual impairments and only one has any understanding of Braille