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Published: 2012-06-13 17:46:15
Updated: 2012-06-13 17:46:15

Posted: June 13, 2012

Raleigh testing alert system on CAT bus

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Raleigh, N.C. — The City of Raleigh's Capital Area Transit bus system is running a pilot program to test an automated voice warning system to alert pedestrians that a bus is turning before they cross the street.

A device installed on the bus' steering column automatically triggers an alert when the wheel turns to a 45-degree angle and the bus is traveling less than 11 mph.

Once activated, the front of the bus emits three blasts of white noise followed by a female voice announcing that it is making a turn.

The warning unit is currently installed on one bus, but the city has plans to install it on 11 other buses.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Latest Comments
Oh boy...MORE noise pollution!
Rolling Along
June 14, 2012 4:06 p.m.
I think the Cane's AIR HORN would signal them better. Loud enough to blow wigs off! That would let everyone know a bus is there.
Click to view my profile MadMaxx
June 14, 2012 2:30 p.m.
Are the pedestrians in question in a crosswalk with the walk light? If so, then the bus has to stop and wait. -- COMMENT

When there is a right turn green arrow on the light, the crosswalk light still says STOP while the pedestrian still stands on the curb. Crossing six & eight lanes (with two turn lanes) such as on New Bern/Capital/Crabtree etc, is really a dangerous affair.

Just sitting in a car or standing on the curb at the light in many places is dangerous in that swearing cars hit the stationary vehicle waiting for the light to change on the cross street.
Click to view my profile djofraleigh
June 14, 2012 1:59 p.m.
I think a lot of governement departments have a "use it or lose it" predicament with the yearly funds allotted to them. In other words, if Raleigh Transit had a budget surplus, the legislature would reduce their budget the following year. Hence, this.
Click to view my profile FlySwater
June 14, 2012 1:42 p.m.
So did the government bureaucrats, at any point in time, consider using, oh, I don't know, the turn signal, before deciding to waste money on this?

See buses are outfitted with these wonderful things called turn signals. You can pull a level and a light lights up on the outside that indicates when you are turning and which way you are turning. It's marvelous technology and it comes free with the purchase of any bus!
dcatz
June 14, 2012 1:34 p.m.
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