Stopping bells - real or recorded?

[py_megapixel]

I know that on the new (well, not really that new any more) Alexander Dennis MMC series buses, the stop buttons just trigger an audio recording played through speakers; there isn't a real bell in the bus.

Is that the case on any other buses currently in service? Particularly curious about pre-MMC Enviros which I assume are real bells?

 

[deltic power]

I know that on the new (well, not really that new any more) Alexander Dennis MMC series buses, the stop buttons just trigger an audio recording played through speakers; there isn't a real bell in the bus.

Is that the case on any other buses currently in service? Particularly curious about pre-MMC Enviros which I assume are real bells?

Yes. Classic e200s and I believe the e400s have electrically operated bells
They look a little bit like small fire alarm bells.

 

[TR673]

I assume it's down to operator specification, but on the Scania E400 diesels that Nottingham have, if the stop bell is pressed downstairs it only rings the bell, but from upstairs it rings the bell and plays a recorded beep sound - presumably to let the driver know whether the alighting passengers are coming from upstairs

Other buses I remember having recorded bells are Mercedes Citaros, with a particularly ear-splitting bleep, and a Scania Omnicity that played a weird videogame-like sound

The Inside the Factory episode with Gregg Wallace watching an E400 City being built seemed to suggest the stop buttons themselves were wireless, and transmitted some kind of signal when pressed. They didn't elaborate, but presumably that means the buttons aren't electrically connected to the rest of the bus at all, and must have a built-in battery.

 

[Segedunum]

I remember when Go North East first introduced their Scania Omnicities, the bell was so ear piercingly loud that it ended up being muffled.

It sounded like one of those whistles that only dogs could hear - doubtless also an electronic recording and not a real bell if they managed to muffle it.

 

[py_megapixel]

The Inside the Factory episode with Gregg Wallace watching an E400 City being built seemed to suggest the stop buttons themselves were wireless, and transmitted some kind of signal when pressed. They didn't elaborate, but presumably that means the buttons aren't electrically connected to the rest of the bus at all, and must have a built-in battery.

Yes, I believe wireless bell pushes are fairly standard. I assume they operate on a similar principle to the wireless doorbells available that don't require batteries and are powered by the force of the button being pressed. A solution involving batteries would be a nightmare - even on a relatively small bus there could be a dozen or more bell pushes and all of those would need their batteries checked and replaced regularly.

 

[Cesarcollie]

Yes, I believe wireless bell pushes are fairly standard. I assume they operate on a similar principle to the wireless doorbells available that don't require batteries and are powered by the force of the button being pressed. A solution involving batteries would be a nightmare - even on a relatively small bus there could be a dozen or more bell pushes and all of those would need their batteries checked and replaced regularly.

They’re not standard.They cost extra!

 

[Blindtraveler]

The current and recent generations of MCV bodied vehicles incorporate a really classy classic bell as well as a backup plaxon hooter

Optare pre 2011 solos tended to have both a bog standard bus bell and a two-tone chime which was good as the classic veils often stop working, more recent builds seem to have included a bell and a five or so second long continuous beep and the most recent one I was on which was built I think 2020 incorporated no bell at all but was entirely electronic. Not sure what the latest generation of diesel vehicles that they're just starting up again building plus the switch mobility badged products are using

The ADL
Double ding
Recording is a good feature and actually sounds decent as well, although in classic a d l style some of the speakers on which this pre-recorded sound effect is meant to play from 10 to pack up after a while and I can only assume that they're continues to be a good quality notification on the drivers console as there seemed to be remarkably few conflicts between passenger and driver as to whether the button has been pressed or not.


Commuter speck coaches have been using a beep or hooter on the request to stop pushes for a decade and more, I just wish that as a visually impaired traveler I could actually find them

 

[DriverAlan]

Days of an actual bell are long gone. Everything is electric and has been for a while!

The arrangement in the MMCs is good. A different sound depending on which deck you press the bell on. My complaint is that some of them are too bloody loud in the cab!