Raleigh testing alert system on CAT bus

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.