UK / Survey highlights issue of 'forgotten' bus passengers

[responsiblek9]

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/66453/survey-highlights-issue-of-forgotten-bus-passengers
 
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Rochdale Online -
Guide Dogs' Talking Buses campaign is lobbying for audio-visual announcements ... Official speaker for Guide Dogs in Rochdale, Frank Salt, from Castleton, ..

[Kirsten]

On my city's buses, the drivers do announce the stops, but only when they think there is a visually impaired person on board.  If you ask for a specific stop, they will notify you when they get there.  Over all, the service is very good.  However, I wish the buses were more clearly marked at the station for when you make transfers.  I sometimes have to walk the length of the parking area looking for my transfer bus.  It would be nice if there was a map of where each bus parks so I could memorize or mark where I need to go for the transfer, ie 3 buses left or 5 buses right, and so on.

[SeptemberJoy]

We have talking buses. The drivers have control over the volume of announcements and they are more often than not drowned out by the radio the driver also has playing.

I've given up on my bus network because the majority of drivers, despite meaning well most of the time, completely forget to announce my stop. I now rely on gps, knowing the approx time we should reach my stop, and research the day before if I have to transfer.

Good idea, not the greatest execution at times.

[Kirsten]

I'm fortunate that Cole recognizes our stop, so we're always going to make it home if I at least manage to get us on the right bus.  I've wondered how he does it, but I think it's the pattern of motions of the bus.  I've noticed that when I fall asleep in the car (not driving, of course ) that I will wake up on my own when we are within a few blocks of my home.  Or maybe he recognizes the sounds of our neighborhood or the smells.  But I think it's the vehicle's motion.   That would be an interesting theory to test.

[Irishgypsie]

I have yet to ride a bus (ever) and it terrifies me, I find it confusing as all get out, and scary.

[Magesteff]

WHen Max stayed with my former housekeeper when I went on vacation or other trips, when she would bring him back he recognized the area as I walked him around the streets there regularly. He only went to the Housekeepers home I think a total of three times.

[SeptemberJoy]

I'm fortunate that Cole recognizes our stop, so we're always going to make it home if I at least manage to get us on the right bus.

Prince was brilliant at this too. Zeke has yet to pick it up. If I fall asleep he's just going to sleep with me.