Bus stop call system hits bumps

A few glitches still need to be worked out in the new automated next-stop call system being installed on OC Transpo buses this week, according to riders.

Ottawa's new system was introduced after the city received complaints about bus drivers failing to call out the stops themselves.

The city is spending $12 million on the pre-recorded bilingual voice and text system, now on about half of the fleet of buses.

Passengers say in some cases, the announcements have been off by a stop or two. On at least one bus, the stops announced weren't even on that route — and those riding the 131 bus through Orleans may notice the stop at the Jim Keay "Fork" dealership, instead of "Ford."

A city spokesperson said that sort of a problem is an easy fix. OC Transpo officials are asking anyone who notices any mistakes to report them to the driver.

Those errors aside, the response appears to be mostly positive.

"It's much better because, when I was taking the buses before, waiting for the bus driver to call it out was less than reliable," one man said while riding a bus Tuesday.

"It's new, so there are going to be some mistakes here and there," another man said.

For the most part, riders are finding the notices helpful.

"I have been on three or four routes with the stop call system and I have to say, I am impressed," rider Melissa Kean told CBC.

"Although I find that the English/French double call is largely redundant since there is so little difference in pronunciation of most street names, the fact that they are now apparent is very helpful."

The system uses oral and written messages to announce each stop in both English and French, or at least with a French accent.

Kean said she most appreciates being able to see the names of the stops inside the bus.

"As someone who wears glasses or rides the bus at night or in inclement weather, reading street signs from bus windows is a challenge," she said.

The new system is expected to be installed on all buses by the end of February next year.