The talking bus (officially known as the Next Stop Announcement Project), is now available on routes 1, 1R, 72, 72M, 72R, NL, 18, 40, 50, 51, 57,  55, 88, 92, 97, 99, and 210.

As a bus passenger on any of these routes, you can hear  an announcement broadcast over the bus PA system.

"Approaching 12th and Oak, Courthouse, Laney College," is an example of an announcement that is designed to assist sight impaired passengers and identify desired stops, landmarks and transfer locations and meet the objectives of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

However, not only sight impaired passengers benefit. The District's Next Stop Announcement Project makes it easier for all riders to exit the bus at a correct location.

Coordination is required from many different AC Transit departments. Special devices have been installed on the bus, including hardware and a sophisticated communication system that reads schedule data.  Information is uploaded to DIS (Data Information Stations) on servers at each AC Transit bus yard and transferred to all coaches using a Wireless Local Area Network.

As part of the District's SATCOM system, words are prerecorded and joined together to make announcements.  Each bus stop is associated with a geographic location that "triggers" announcements for approaching stops, landmarks and transfer routes.  Announcements are always being tested and updated.

Speakers near the front door of the bus also make route information announcements outside the bus to boarding passengers.

Passengers are not the only ones who like the "talking bus." Bus drivers appreciate the automated system because it eliminates the need to fumble with a PA system and allows for them to do other important tasks.

The initial pilot project, launched in December 2006, gave the agency valuable feedback about how the project was working along San Pablo Avenue and lines 82 and 82L. 

If you have questions or feedback, send email to: TalkingBuses@actransit.org. With your help, AC Transit will continue to improve the "talking buses."