From the Service Delivery Group

External Route Announcement system – Wilson bus trial

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires all transportation agencies in Ontario to equip their buses with electronic systems that externally announce the route, direction, destination or next major stop as a pre-boarding announcement to intending passengers at stops.

Equipment known as the External Route Announcement (ERA) System are being tested and are currently installed on vehicles 8200, 8300, 8350 and 9050, out of Wilson-Bus Division.

The announcements themselves will be triggered automatically whenever the front doors are opened. If the doors remain open, such as at station platforms, the announcements will be repeated at predetermined intervals of about 20 seconds until they time out after five minutes.

The intent of the ERA system is to assist visually impaired patrons in knowing whether or not to board a bus that is in front of them.

As part of the installation, all destination sign keypad controllers will be updated to the newest configuration.

Please provide any feedback you might have to Divisional or Garage Management for forwarding to the project team.

Your co-operation in this regard is appreciated.

(Original Signed)
Kirsten Watson
Head – Bus Transportation Department
August 12, 2015