Voice announcements on SEQ network

[ozbob]

This thread for discussion of announcements for public transport in SEQ particularly.

[verbatim9]

I have noticed even with all the trains with digital voice announcements and beeping doors to alert passengers on which door to open; There is still a guards voice talking over the announcements. Is the guards input really necessary?

[SurfRail]

Many other jurisdictions seem to be able to manage a DVA system for their bus services, but not us.  In some parts of the world it is mandatory.

When you consider how many electronic screens are actually now fitted to the train fleet, it shouldn't actually be that difficult an outlay to bear to start fitting them to route buses.

LED readouts would be more than sufficient.

[verbatim9]

Yes I wonder when Bcc will install Led PIDS behind those perspex screens on the new busses and activate audible announcements. In Adelaide they were testing with the city loop with pull to the bus stop/curb with route announcements.

[verbatim9]

Yes I wonder when Bcc will install Led PIDS behind those perspex screens on the new busses and activate audible announcements. In Adelaide they were testing with the city loop with pull to the bus stop/curb with route announcements.

Here is an example of audible announcements on the bus in Hawaii

https://youtu.be/3SAQjOSt_yw

[verbatim9]

Guide dogs testing with Translink

https://youtu.be/qGqgUWe0oPI

[verbatim9]

I just realised from now on I'll endure lengthy announcements similar to the GC line every time I  take a train to the City:

"This is a Brisbane city and Caboolture train, running express from Bowen Hills to Petrie, stopping only at Eagle Junction and Northgate"

and

"This is a Kippa Ring train, running express from Bowen Hills to Northgate, stopping only at Eagle Junction"

Yep you will get them twice before a stop. Automatated and also interrupted by a guard saying "the next stop is...." and "Platform on the right or left"
I find the guard input totally unnecessary. Seems to happen more on weekends?

[James]

Yep you will get them twice before a stop. Automatated and also interrupted by a guard saying "the next stop is...." and "Platform on the right or left"
I find the guard input totally unnecessary. Seems to happen more on weekends?

Agree. People can figure out the platform side, and unless you have heavy/crush pax loads it doesn't really matter. The guards should just stick to unscheduled announcements (train delays etc.).

Stop PIDs on buses would be great, even if it just showed the next stop. However, given current stop spacing on many services, it may be impractical (or merely another reason for bus network reform/stop rationalisation).

[HappyTrainGuy]

You'll be surprised how many people still get confused what side of the platform the train stops at. And quite frankly who the hell cares what the guard is saying.

[red dragin]

You'll be surprised how many people still get confused what side of the platform the train stops at. And quite frankly who the hell cares what the guard is saying.

Surely the NGR's would be fitted with a more modern system that could announce platform sides?

Could anyone tell me what triggers the announcements, is it GPS, distance from starting point?

[ozbob]

I don't mind guards chatting, auto announcements, doors on left (or right) or hello Mr XXXX.  Variety is good.

[James]

In German metros/suburban rail they have arrows which pop up on the PIDs which show which side the platform will be on, as well as an automated announcement.

[verbatim9]

In German metros/suburban rail they have arrows which pop up on the PIDs which show which side the platform will be on, as well as an automated announcement.

Thats a good idea. Qld rail can use the existing Led PIDs with multiple arrows pointing left or right on arrival at the station.

[verbatim9]

I reckon busses will be next since Translink have recently updated the app. I did notice in Mel with the smart rider is that the stops are relatively close together and the driver turned the audio announcements off.

[SurfRail]

In German metros/suburban rail they have arrows which pop up on the PIDs which show which side the platform will be on, as well as an automated announcement.

Perth has this on the PIDS (I don't believe they have audible announcements about it).

G:Link have audible announcements but I cannot recall if the PIDS are set to show this, never paid much attention.

[verbatim9]

Disability Standard and the Qld Gov has signed it. USA and EU far ahead

[LRV 018]

G:Link have audible announcements but I cannot recall if the PIDS are set to show this, never paid much attention.

You're right. There are only audio announcements on G:link trams, with no display on the PIDs. The announcements weren't rolled out properly, though: some trams have announcements, some don't; works when arriving at some stations, others not. (I've been meaning to document what works and what doesn't and let G:link know, I think I'll start doing so soon.) Personally, I'd much prefer arrows on the PIDs than announcements. Great example on the Tokyo Metro (pictured) — easy to implement, less intrusive and more effective than audio. I think I'll recommend this to G:link

[verbatim9]

Glink over do the Audio announcements. Welcome aboard each time the doors close and other miscellaneous announcements. I am just happy with beeps for the doors and an audio announcement for the next station. Just simple "Cavill Avenue is next" and on arrival "Cavill Avenue" and when there is a major transfer point like Southport or Broadbeach south Just say "Major transfer point" "Change here for bus routes"

(Between some Glink stations the audio announcememts take up the whole journey time between those stations. Like a news reader just goes and on and on and on).

[James]

Glink over do the Audio announcements. Welcome aboard each time the doors close and other miscellaneous announcements. I am just happy with beeps for the doors and a audio announcement for the next station. Just simple "Cavill Avenue is next" and on arrival "Cavill Avenue" and when there is a major transfer point like Southport or Broadbeach south Just say "Major transfer point" "Change here for bus routes"

I partially agree. Given the G:'s route is primarily in high tourist traffic areas, you need those announcements so people know where they need to get off. Skip the 'welcome aboard' and where the tram is travelling to (it is pretty obvious). e.g. 'The next stop is Cypress Avenue. Exit here for Route 740 services and <insert attraction name here>.'

In fact, I wish they would do this on QR services. Would also serve as a subtle advertisement for feeder bus services (or at the very least, remind people they exist).

[verbatim9]

Glink over do the Audio announcements. Welcome aboard each time the doors close and other miscellaneous announcements. I am just happy with beeps for the doors and a audio announcement for the next station. Just simple "Cavill Avenue is next" and on arrival "Cavill Avenue" and when there is a major transfer point like Southport or Broadbeach south Just say "Major transfer point" "Change here for bus routes"

Skip the 'welcome aboard' and where the tram is travelling to (it is pretty obvious). e.g. 'The next stop is Cypress Avenue. Exit here for Route 740 services and <insert attraction name here>.'

In fact, I wish they would do this on QR services. Would also serve as a subtle advertisement for feeder bus services (or at the very least, remind people they exist).

I prefer short and sweet "Cypress Avenue is Next". Instead of The next stop is blah blah blah. At major Transfer points Broadbeach S and Southport Just say "Major transfer point". "Transfer here for bus routes 700, 740, 777" Simple, less draining on the ear. 😉 Oh and replicate as text on the Pids for the hearing impaired 👍

[HappyTrainGuy]

In fact, I wish they would do this on QR services. Would also serve as a subtle advertisement for feeder bus services (or at the very least, remind people they exist).

Feeder buses 

[James]

In fact, I wish they would do this on QR services. Would also serve as a subtle advertisement for feeder bus services (or at the very least, remind people they exist).

Feeder buses 

The QR network runs through more than BT territory. In particular I am thinking about the recently done MBRL. Sure, you don't want to rattle off a bunch of numbers, but announce the general region. e.g. 'The next station is Mango Hill... Customers for buses to North Lakes, this is your station'.

Of course you wouldn't do it at every single stop, but you'd do it for notable/major interchanges (Indro, Corinda, Altandi etc.). This already happens on GC trains (but tends to be done by the driver).

[verbatim9]

Imagine if you had drawn out announcements on busses. The likely hood of missing the stop would be high. The announcement would still be going even if the bus past the stop.

Short and sweet on all modes Train, Tram, Bus and ferry

Train -"Central is Next" on arrival "Central Station"

Ferry - "Bulimba Wharf is Next" On arrival "Bulimba Wharf"

Bus - "King George Sq is Next" On arrival "King George Sq platform 1D"

Tram - "Broadbeach South is Next" On arrival "Broadbeach South Major Transfer point"

"Security alert Be alert to and report suspicious activity as well as unattended items to 1300 xxx xxx Incase of emergency phone 000 or contact Translink staff on duty."

[SurfRail]

This already happens on GC trains (but tends to be done by the driver).

Indeed - with varying levels of quality.  Every now and again you still hear announcements at Robina for the now non-existent bus connection to Burleigh.

[LRV 018]

G:link over do the Audio announcements. Welcome aboard each time the doors close and other miscellaneous announcements. I am just happy with beeps for the doors and an audio announcement for the next station. Just simple "Cavill Avenue is next" and on arrival "Cavill Avenue" and when there is a major transfer point like Southport or Broadbeach south Just say "Major transfer point" "Change here for bus routes"

(Between some G:link stations the audio announcements take up the whole journey time between those stations. Like a news reader just goes and on and on and on).

As per my earlier comment, the "please exit from the ****-hand side of the tram in direction of travel" G:link announcement should be replaced by arrows (or other similar image) on the PIDs. This could certainly be one way to reduce the persistent 'chatter'. Again, I'll mention this to G:link to see whether they think implementing an idea like this is worthwhile.

[verbatim9]

I agree with that! Anything to minimise those long drawn out announcements.

[HappyTrainGuy]

The QR network runs through more than BT territory

I know and I'll say again. 

Pretty sure the Narangba/Burpengary feeder loops finish at 7pm. Strathpine-Petrie..... Yeah good luck with their hourly peak hour frequency

[dancingmongoose]

As per my earlier comment, the "please exit from the ****-hand side of the tram in direction of travel" G:link announcement should be replaced by arrows (or other similar image) on the PIDs. This could certainly be one way to reduce the persistent 'chatter'. Again, I'll mention this to G:link to see whether they think implementing an idea like this is worthwhile.

This would probably do more harm than good, because unfortunately, blind people can't see an arrow on a PID.

[verbatim9]

Beeps and Arrows

[verbatim9]

Noticed that the Automatic Audio Announcements have changed on the trains. They have added "If this is your station prepare to disembark, Park Road Station mind the Gap"

Still interrupted unnecessarily by the guards voice. I don't know why they need to announce the station again if there is an Auto Audio Announcement!?

[verbatim9]

Why are the guards interrupting the Gps triggered Automatic announcements all the time? Was on the Airport to Varsity train just past 6pm on 21 Jan and the guard turned his announcements into a short novel. Was very irritating especially coming off a flight. When will there be short Gps triggered Automatic announcements only on the trains? Professionalism and Automation of the QR network is really going down hill. I can't say anything good about how QR communicate with the public between stations and on station platforms at present. They need to move to Automated announcements 99.5% of the time except in emergencies.

[aldonius]

Mate, tell me about it. Between Indro and the city yesterday evening I had three automated announcements per station AND one from the guard.

Two is enough. The first a minute out saying "next station XYZ" with connection, end-of-line, etc information where relevant and with "this is an ABC train..." every few stations. The second as the train enters the station: "XYZ station, platform on the RLRL, [connection info], XYZ station".

[InclusionMoves]

All links with the stories going around a few of the nicer papers a while back saying public loved the personal nature of the guards. So they are interrupting more. Unfortunately for them the sentiment doesn't seem to be as wide as the articles made out,

Geoff

Why are the guards interrupting the Gps triggered Automatic announcements all the time? Was on the Airport to Varsity train just past 6pm on 21 Jan and the guard turned his announcements into a short novel. Was very irritating especially coming off a flight. When will there be short Gps triggered Automatic announcements only on the trains? Professionalism and Automation of the QR network is really going down hill. I can't say anything good about how QR communicate with the public between stations and on station platforms at present. They need to move to Automated announcements 99.5% of the time except in emergencies.

[techblitz]

today I heard a 'the next station is coopers plains' when it was just pulling into coopers plains station...

[SurfRail]

Guards shouldn't be making announcements full stop unless there is an unplanned disruption that can't be worked around.  I don't see any value in having conflicting, poorly dictated and at times false information being recited, certainly not for what we are paying them.  Their job should be safeworking, not doing something the automated system has been capable of doing for decades.

If TfL can manage to get onboard bus announcements sophisticated enough that they can announce a bus is unexpectedly terminating short of the end of the line, then we should be able to get trains that are smart enough to know where they are, announce which side the platform is on, give connections and add extra stations on the fly.  For instance, it should be possible for the system to announce that a train is stopping at Yeerongpilly when the tennis is on without the guard needing to override the VAS or cut in after it incorrectly says it is running express from Park Road to Altandi.

[STB]

I get the feeling that a lot of these extra guard announcements came out of the community group meetings - it personally annoys me to have the guard do announcements, but a lot of the general public who just want to get from A to B have been quite vocal about having the guards do announcements and prefer it.

[SurfRail]

I think the majority of people would be happier with easier to follow and actually useful automated announcements that they can understand.  The 160/260s and NGRs all have very good PA systems, the EMUs flat out don't, the in-between sets vary but tend to pretty garbage.

[tazzer9]

All normal announcements should be automated.  If there is abnormal working, such as wrong line running, then I'm fine for a guard to mention the platform side.  Apart from that they need to keep it like sydney where the guard only announces delays, changes to services, track closures etc.

[James]

I am firmly in the camp of 'no guard announcements', and would go further and say that the length of the QR announcements is not only unnecessary, but confusing & patronising. Again, like a lot of things, Melbourne has got this right. "Now arriving at: _________" is all you need, in addition to announcements on essential connections (other rail lines, the G:, major bus connections).

QR's current announcements just prattle on about personal possessions, what to do in a crime, and quite frankly, is unnecessary noise pollution at a time where most commuters would prefer a bit of quiet. The guards then merely duplicate the announcement, and then add what side of the train the platform is on - which for a city like Brisbane, where most users are suburbanites familiar with the system at two-platform stations, is quite unnecessary as most users would be familiar with platform positioning anyway.

[aldonius]

It's not even "what to do in a crime" (Or at least, I've never heard such), it's "you are under surveillance"