Automatic Stop Announcements

Did you know that some TriMet buses can talk? Well, sort of… At least they can introduce themselves, and tell you where they're going.

We're installing a new stop announcement system that will make it easier to get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. Similar to MAX, it tells you the name of the bus when it arrives, and announces each stop along the route.
                       
Here's how it works: When the bus pulls up, it announces its line number and destination on an external speaker. So you can be sure you're getting on the right bus.

Onboard, an electronic sign at the front of the bus shows the name of the next major stop, along with the current time. And, an audio announcement is made prior to each stop.

The system announces stops served by two or more bus lines, as well as transfer points, fare zone boundaries, and street names when the vehicle turns a corner.

This makes it a lot easier to find your way around in an unfamiliar area, and you'll be less likely to miss your stop.

By the end of 2008, all of our low-floor buses—about 360 in all—will have automatic stop announcements. That's about half of our bus fleet.

MAX has had internal and external stop announcements for about 10 years. Now, using Global Positioning satellite technology, buses will offer the same convenience.