Unsuck DC Metro: Increased Safety or Nuisance?

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Increased Safety or Nuisance?

Video and text from Phil:

Have any of your readers mentioned that the buses are now screaming “PEDESTRIANS, BUS IS TURNING” and then again in Spanish? It’s so loud it wakes me at night and can be heard for blocks and blocks around.

Why not just put a continuous fire siren on top of them?

Here’s a video of the X8 bus. Note how you can hear it even on a cell phone video from before you can see it to over a block away. I actually followed this bus around Stanton Park and up Maryland Avenue NE until it got to the H Street intersection. It blasts this annoying message at every corner of the park, every time it turns and every time it stops to pick up/let off passengers. This in a somewhat quiet neighborhood. All night.

Metro confirms this is part of a pilot program.

Other items:
Metrobus impostor gets probation (WUSA)
Dulles stop could ruin view, group says (WaPo)

Comments (61)

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+47 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 754 weeks ago

You know what would make them safer? If they YIELDED TO PEDESTRIANS IN A CROSSWALK IN THE FIRST PLACE. Metro busses need to accept their part of pedestrian safety before shifting the burden on to others.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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anony · 754 weeks ago

Amen!

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@VeggieTart · 754 weeks ago

But that would make sense and actually require Metro bus drivers to be--gasp!--responsible!

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Sam · 754 weeks ago

Not all bus-pedestrian accidents are the result of a bus not yielding. Many people cross against a "don't walk" sign or at an intersection without a crosswalk. I know it's "cool" to rip on Metro, but they aren't always 100% wrong. Any improvement is a good thing.

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Judy · 754 weeks ago

Except at the speed it's going, all you'd hear is "Pede-" and then you'd be greeted with the driver's windshield. And it takes so long to say, and then to repeat in Spanish, that God help any poor soul caught in its path that only speaks Spanish.

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

I'd argue that this makes pedestrians less safe. I've seen this bus. More correctly, I hear it coming two blocks away, then I eventually see it.

The X8 in particular speeds it's butt off. It's logical to assume that part of that speed is because the driver can't help but think 'I've got this loud siren warning people, so that means there's no pedestrians anymore as I've put them on notice and I can go as fast as I want'. I know if I drove a huge vehicle that announced my presence blocks away and warned people to get out of my way that's how I'd drive, even if I didn't realize it.

I'd also suggest that this is Metro's suburban mentality coming through, yet again. This very loud announcement may be a good idea in a suburban setting where the bus stops and turns are not twenty feet away from houses, like many in the District are.

Here in DC many of the streets are all rowhouses, and they act as echo chambers, making announcements like this really loud.

Plus, the recorded human voice is not background noise. You can get used to typical bus noise. But the recorded voice is something we are trained to recognize, and respond to. So there's no getting used to this.

I'm betting none of the people that thought this was a good idea lives next to a bus stop or on a 'turning corner' in DC.

If this program goes city-wide expect to see a lot more cranky DC residents that can't get a good nights sleep. Nothing quite like being woke up at 4 am every morning to make for a cranky populace.

+16 Vote up Vote down

Autumn · 754 weeks ago

That is one of the most absurd things I have seen (and heard!) - besides the fact that by the time the announcement is made, the bus has ALREADY turned - but to announce it in both english and spanish is seriouesly stupid.

How about just have the buses have a constant announcement playing instead! Talk about noise pollution.

I have a novel idea - have bus drivers slow down before turning and entering crosswalks? Maybe that will work without depriving people of their sleep.

Metro finds incredible new ways to WASTE money all the time, but they can't maintain escalators or find competent staff.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

Hah! Good point - the Spanish language announcement comes AFTER the turn. It's like the doors on the trAAm at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The English announcement plays, the doors close, and then the Spanish announcement plays. Racist shuttle doors?

+36 Vote up Vote down

Mike · 754 weeks ago

How about they expand the warning system? "PEDESTRIANS, BUS DRIVER IS EATING A SANDWICH WHILE TEXTING"

+22 Vote up Vote down

@make_lemons · 754 weeks ago

I bet if this "Pilot" was in Georgetown it would be over real quick.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Ashley Fry · 754 weeks ago

It actually IS already in Georgetown, and this was the first place I heard the announcements.

+28 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 754 weeks ago

huh. What about the deaf community? And wrong message blasted too. It should scream, "MetroBus! RUN for your lives!"

What about local community laws about no loud noises in evening hours? .

+7 Vote up Vote down

Wahmbulance · 754 weeks ago

The best part is when you are sitting on this bus at Union Station, waiting for it to leave and this message is blaring over and over and over again...

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@ChrisHowdy · 754 weeks ago

Noisy as hell, for exactly zero benefit. Another terrific Metro boondoggle.

+17 Vote up Vote down

hrh king friday13 · 754 weeks ago

It should say: "PEDESTRIANS, FOR SOME OF YOU THIS WILL BE THE LAST THING ON EARTH YOU HEAR." *crunch*

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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hrh king friday13 · 754 weeks ago

Let me just add that this is a perfect example of METRO's utter contempt for their patrons. In their sick little minds, the cause of pedestrian deaths is the fault of the idiot pedestrian. The problem isn’t the driver's conduct-- oh no, not at all. Blaring a message like this is basically Metro’s passive-aggressive way of dealing with us, the ungrateful taxpayers. We’ve seen this in their lame "don't talk to customers" rule and the public statements of vapid union boss Jakie Jeter. How these people sleep at night is beyond me.

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Phil · 754 weeks ago

If they live on the X8 route they don't have to worry about sleeping.

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Meredith · 754 weeks ago

Well played, Phil.

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GlenmontGirl · 754 weeks ago

You think they're doing this as a lawsuit counter-measure? I.e., if one of their bus drivers hits a pedestrian and the pedestrian/the pedestrian's estate sues Metro, they can claim the pedestrian must have heard the announcement so the accident was the pedestrian's fault?

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John · 754 weeks ago

Very nice of Metro to provide a commentary track for when Spanish-speaking residents of DC are sprawled out on the pavement after being hit by a bus.

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

My favorite part is how the speakers blare from the top of the bus, so the noise is actually worse up around where second floor bedrooms all along the bus route and in front of bus stops will be.

It seems to float upward.

If any of you get a chance take a listen from a second or even third floor. The noise level is pretty striking. No way anybody but the heaviest of sleepers can sleep through this.

+7 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 754 weeks ago

Because, really, it's the pedestrians' fault if they get hit by a bus.

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aleonard1 52p · 754 weeks ago

Reminds me of the robot from the future in Venture Bros. IGNORE ME!

+15 Vote up Vote down

Over_the_River 77p · 754 weeks ago

Why stop here?
"Passengers Please Have Fare Cards Ready"
"The Light Has Changed Asshole"
"Hey, Momma, Momma"

The possibilities are endless.

6 replies · active 754 weeks ago

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Ever and Anon · 754 weeks ago

"Do not talk to driver. Texting in progress."

... oh the possibilities are indeed endless, Over_the_River!

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

You can run, McGruff, but you can't hide!!!

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GlenmontGirl · 754 weeks ago

"Comin' through!"

or

"Why are you running right in front of me on a red signal with your stroller? Put your own life in danger, but for cryin' out loud don't get your baby run over, too!"

The second one might be a little long...

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

Please put down your weapon. You have 20 seconds to comply...You now have 15 seconds to comply...You are in direct violation of Penal Code 1.13, Section 9. You have 5 seconds to comply...Four... three... two... one... I am now authorized to use physical force!

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@ChrisHowdy · 754 weeks ago

Outstanding.

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Tongo Rad · 753 weeks ago

Here come da bus! Here come da bus!

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Metrosardine#26 · 754 weeks ago

So what happens when the bus goes around a circle? I'm betting the folks at Washington Circle, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, etc. would appreciate multiple buses driving by at 6am every morning waking them up instead of their alarm.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 754 weeks ago

The answer is the automated voice goes off the entire time. It seems to be triggered by the driver using the turn signal, so anytime the turn signal is on the voice is on. Since these traffic circles are basically one continuous turning experience that voice would be active the entire time.

That'll be especially fun when buses pile up several within a block, all turning.

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Ever and Anon · 754 weeks ago

I suppose this also mean the drivers will soon go deaf and not hear sirens behind them, resulting in not moving out of the way for police, ambulance, etc.

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guest · 754 weeks ago

they do this?

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@VeggieTart · 754 weeks ago

Assuming they actually use their turn signals, as someone else pointed out.

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kekirk · 754 weeks ago

The times I've heard this auditory monstrosity, it's been when the bus is barrelling around a corner through a crosswalk while there is a white WALK sign showing. Seems like a CYA rather than an actual attempt at safety.

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@dcartguy · 754 weeks ago

My post from this morning: A pint of perfume does not mask your cigarettes. It pollutes the air for everyone else on the metro.

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Phil · 754 weeks ago

I've noticed it seems to be activated by the use of the turn signal. So anytime the bus is signaling, even if it's stopped - it's blaring.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Really? · 754 weeks ago

Bus drivers actually use their turn signals? Amazing!

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Non-A · 754 weeks ago

Why not just add lasers and flashing strobes so bright that us DEAF people can SEE the bus? This is just downright stupid and an utter waste of funds by metro.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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@kara_h · 754 weeks ago

Right, I always cringe when the 'solution' to a problem (or perceived problem) is to make a sole communications methodology. In this case, since we are talking about safety, the problem will just get worse for the people that can not hear as drivers will just rely on it.

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krikket · 753 weeks ago

There are always tasers, I suppose.

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JR · 754 weeks ago

I heard this from my living room (on the 2nd floor) before I knew what it was. I thought it was some type of thought experiment before my roommate realized it was coming from the MetroBus!

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@dipdewdog · 754 weeks ago

Yup, I hear this announcement now from one of the H buses (I think it's the H8--fitting) at the intersection of 17th Street and Park Rd NW. Not such a big deal during the day, but it wakes me up at night. I'd love to know how long Metro plans to keep this up.

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BGriffler · 754 weeks ago

My guess is that they connected it to the turn signal, which would explain why it also announces the message at bus stops. I found the installing of the flashing lights on the front of buses amusing years ago. Now this. Does DC Metro honestly think that we pedestrians can't see 40' buses? Take some accountability, please.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Phil · 754 weeks ago

I think the Cylon Centurion lights were added in response to the Metrobus accident that hit and killed two pedestrians as it was turning, flying through a yellow light.

Now if you get run over you get to experience the added humility of it saying it warned you......

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More is More · 754 weeks ago

These buses are definitely loud. I live across the street from a Metro station and can hear this announcement loud and clear... and my apartment is on the 6th floor!!! I would definitely consider this noise pollution; why is Metro exempt from public nuiance laws?

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GlenmontGirl · 754 weeks ago

If it were effective, that might be one thing, although it certainly shouldn't be so loud that it wakes people up.

But it's not effective. The bus had already executed the turn by the time the announcement finished the word "pedestrians". And it's not like you can't already hear the buses coming.

Plus, the bus drivers can't start thinking, "Hey, I've got this loud siren so I don't need to yield" and/or "Every pedestrian will hear it and get out of my way". What about deaf pedestrians?

Here's an idea - why doesn't Metro scrap this pilot program and use the excess cash to make up the annual budget shortfall?

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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MetroRider · 754 weeks ago

Or hire bus drivers who can drive.

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@kara_h · 754 weeks ago

I am not sure the drivers can get worse than they already are. Well, I am sure they can find a way, but they are already pretty bad.

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dddddda · 754 weeks ago

For about the first time in 2 years, I'm glad I don't live on Stanton Park anymore! This is ludicrious! You hit some pedestrians because you can't be bothered to obey traffic laws, so you think annoying everyone to let them know you're there (like they didn't already hear you in a quiet area like Stanton Park) will absolve you of legal responsibility? That's like saying if I run a red light blaring my horm it's the dude with the green light's fault if there's an accident.

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@SmashyGnome · 754 weeks ago

Metrobus drivers actually stopping at red lights would be more effective.

By the time they've finished running the red light, the walk signal has often changed, leaving pedestrians to jaysprint across.

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Anonymous · 754 weeks ago

A better idea would be for Metro buses to not run red lights or blow threw yellow lights thinking they will make it. Every day, Metro Circulator buses turning north on 7th Street from Penn. Ave. (eastbound) regularly run the lights. Us "regular pedestrians" who walk that route every day know that after the pedestrian walk signal is displayed, we must give Metro and their Circulator buses about 5 to 8 seconds of our "walk" countdown. Tourists and others beware: Just because the crosswalk says you can walk, don't just step out into the street or a bus is going to flatten you. Here's an idea in lieu of the external bus loudspeakers. How about a 4x6 card on the drivers' steering wheels reminding them not to blow throw lights and plow down people legally crossing the street? Two people were killed last year by a Metrobus at this same intersection.

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Megan · 754 weeks ago

If you live on the Hill, please write to councilman Tommy Wells to voice your displeasure with the pilot program. twells@dccouncil.us

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hate metro busses · 754 weeks ago

the computer voices are way too loud. these things wake me up at 7am screaming "52 south to lenfant plaza!" it doesnt HAVE to be that freakin loud!!

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drewt · 753 weeks ago

I think the speaker should be pointed at the driver and scream at them instead. "Pay attention to traffic laws and pedestrians! Nearly everyone has a camera phone! If you don't like it, find a job better suited to your temperament!" then repeat it in Spanish, Polish, Thai, Klingon and Elmer Fudd just for effect.

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Barbi Rose · 753 weeks ago

Having worked for Metro and been threated to be fired for worrying about the safety of Metro Passengers I find it amusing how the Metro does crisis management. They great the crisis then manage it usually after someone dies it takes a year or so to find what caused it, some Metro employee gets fired and they try some big visually seen project to show they are doing something that costs lots of money. Fact is the employees are scared to speak up about safety for getting fired, or sent to numerous drug tests in retaliation for pointing out things. The more I pointed out the more I got slammed by management. Once in a meeting with the union I was told the safety of the people who ride Metro is not your Job?.....Really?

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LCinDC · 753 weeks ago

I think there might be something worse: I was on a bus in San Francisco the other day, and it beeped like a truck backing up every time the turn signal was on. It was unbearable even inside the bus, so I can only imagine how terrible it must be for the people who live along bus routes. There isn't an earplug in the world that can block that sound (trust me, I've looked--lousy delivery drivers @ 5AM...)

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Max · 753 weeks ago

I'm with 'drewt'. Point the speakers at the drivers. Then create a backseat driver team (creating jobs) that watches via video monitor, and makes comments. "Hang up your phone! Say hello to that nice lady! Stop for that pedestrian! Now what on earth are you thinking?!?"

Or maybe positive subliminal messages would work better. I'm sure it's got to really suck the life out of you to drive a bus around all day, every day. It would seem the major conflict that is related to speed. Is that true in anyone else's experience? Are these buses are on an unrealistic schedule that doesn't take in to account peds and cyclists?

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Scott · 752 weeks ago

I ride my bike into work, but even with that, I've had so many lovely experiences with metrobus drivers. I wish they would just suck it up and hire safe drivers. After all, they are in charge of a 10-20 ton death machine. Here's some of my best of the best incidents:

1) I was waiting for traffic at a green light to turn left. Bus pulls up behind me. Apparently I wasn't forcing myself into traffic enough. The driver started pumping the brakes inching closer and closer to my rear tire. When that didn't work, he started pumping the emergency air brakes on the bus repeatedly.

2) Riding in the bike lane, a bus starts to pass by me. Here comes a stop. Instead of slowing down and letting me pass, the driver hangs a right into the bus stop while I am along side of him almost crushing me into the line of parked cars.

3) The right hook of doom. I've lost track of the number of times a bus turning right (and should have been yielding) has almost killed me. Now I just assume they are trying to run me over to be safe.

4) I was lane splitting up to a red light (legal in DC). A metrobus driver sees me doing this in his mirror and pulls his bus a couple feet to the left straight into me. While I'm cursing out the driver for intentionally trying to hit me with his bus, he just stares at me and give me the finger.