In message , Paul Corfield
writes
I haven't seen any if they going to look different to existing ones nor
have I seen an obvious expansion in the existing style of display unit.
I heard a vague rumour that the bus stop display element was somewhat
delayed but that may be incorrect. I think the new units are supposed
to "talk" as well as provide a visual display and this may be causing
some concern given the apparent complaints about on bus noise. If there
was a stop in a residential area with a frequent service there may be
an endless stream of announcements - 24 hours a day if the service was
24 hours or covered by day and "N" routes.

Not 24 hours but there were certainly complaints in residential areas
around some of the Midland Metro stations (Black Lake for one) when that
service began in 1999.

Talking bus stops aren't new, either. They had them in the late
eighties in Weston-super-Mare, opened in a fanfare by Lynda Chalker
(whatever happened to her?) But intended mainly for the visually
impaired.

They didn't last.

I can fully see the use of services like iBus, making it almost as easy
as the tube to navigate if you're a stranger (or even if you're not).
I confess to being a bit irritated by announcements, though. A
continuing advertising loop on a Blackpool tram years ago drove me truly
*loopy* en route from Fleetwood to the Central Promenade. I'll reserve
judgement on how it affects my enjoyment of London bus riding until I've
experienced it, though.

--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk