Forum Topic

Insane Bus announcements

It seems  that some bright spark has planted a new announcement on the buses."Please Hold tight the bus is about to move"  met with much hilarity by kids on the 65 yesterday who were quick to point out that the bus was already moving.By the 18th announcement within 7 stops, even the kids were muttering under their breath.Most adults were considering Upper Deck Hari Kiri.Thought it might have just been on the 65 but no, same on a && from Vauxhall and the same wave of discontent from passengers.Do TfL seriously pay someone to come up with a completely pointless announcement?It would be better spent on making sure the countdown displays and panel lights at Bus Stops actually work .Clearly said boffin and managers have not been getting out into the daylight too much. Far better off being redeployed to Vauxhall Bus Station, Ken Livingstone's Transport "monument of pride for London's new wave of modern transport"It is is a despicable state of filthiness and an embarrassment to the many visitors who pass through the vicinity.

Raymond Havelock ● 2771d10 Comments

H37 yesterday, two trips of three stops each.    Announcement between each,  pretty pointless when vehicle already moving.

Brian McMillan ● 2769d

or.." The next section of road contains potholes, ruts and is extremely bumpy. Please hold on to your shopping and any breakables"

Raymond Havelock ● 2770d

to have an announcdement exorting the driver to not drive like Emerson Fitipaldi (showing my age now)...

Keith Iddon ● 2770d

Speaking metaphorically of course.  The repetition whilst the bus was actually moving set the whole experience in to irony overdrive.But one wonders at what point information announcements either begin to irritate or become ignored with so much repetition and/or irrelevance." The next bus stop is closed'  This one often plays after the bus has set off from the preceding stop.The information is fine if timed right. But too much information and way out of synch? Useless and irritating. In any case most passengers are miles away listening via headphones.When a hybrid 65 caught fire not once but twice in South Ealing just before Christmas, the driver had a mix of panic and passengers who remained on the bus, filling with smoke, glued to their devices and headphones.  The PA was ignored.It was so simple in the past. The international call sign. Speaks all languages.One ring on the bell to request a stop.  Two dings on the bell to signal the bus is about to move. Surely the bell dinging twice quickly as the doors close or the driver engages drive is possible? TfL would never be able to manage the use of a simple bell. It's simply not hi-tech enough.  The bell also does not send hearing aids into a strop unlike electronic beeps..By the way, the driver can rarely hear the PA system from most cab areas.

Raymond Havelock ● 2770d

I had the benefit of it on two 65 journeys yesterday without spotting anyone suicidal. I think it's a good idea once they get the timing right. I do wish drivers would use the 'move along the bus please' announcement more....

Iain Muir ● 2770d

The conductor used to say"Hold tight please". What's the difference? Only try to prevent people from falling.

Margaret Wittich ● 2770d

I don’t use the buses very often but I have used the H28 twice today.  I heard the announcement mentioned here and it was quite mild and polite and may have helped prompt the driver to remember that passengers are moving down inside to bus seeking a seat.  On both trips the drivers waited until I was seated before driving off.  Never had that before.  Thank you drivers!

Sarah Felstead ● 2770d

#prayforraymond

Benjamin Inwood ● 2770d

Dear Raymond,Having read your post I agree it's completely insane. But I think you're very brave.Having to listen to a repeated bus announcement like that must have been harrowing and I completely understand the need to retell your story at 00:28 on our local forum so that your suffering need not be in vain and you can alert us all to the danger that lives amongst us.I know I'll be hugging my children a little bit closer tonight, that's for sure.I hope you weren't one of the ones considering taking your own life. I know it must have been very difficult for you and your fellow travellers, but please, suicide is never the answer.Remember to stay strong Raymond - who knows what bus announcements we all might have to face in the future?

Tabitha Jones ● 2770d

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-42681106

Ann Haddleton ● 2771d