'Talking' bus stops trialled

The system is aimed at helping users identify which bus stop they are at and when the next bus is due.
The pilot scheme is operated by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Newbury and District Buses and the system supplier Connexionz UK.
By carrying and using a small key fob, visually impaired customers will be able to hear audible announcements, identifying which bus stop they are at and when the next buses on routes serving that stop are due to arrive.
The initial audio announcement is triggered automatically when the customer carrying the special key fob is near the bus stop display.
If the customer requires more information, they have a choice of two buttons – the left button provides further information about the bus stop location and the right hand button announces predicted bus arrival times.
The technology has been added to existing display screens at bus stops in the following locations:
* Greenham – Tesco The Triangle
* Newbury – Park Way, Stop P
* West Berkshire Community Hospital
* Thatcham – A4 / Garden Centre Roundabout
* Thatcham – A4 / Matthews Close
* Thatcham – Broadway (both directions)
* Thatcham – Lower Way / Derwent Road
* Theale – Church Street / The Crown (both directions)
* Calcot – Sainsburys
* Calcot – Charrington Road / Beansheaf Stores
* Fords Farm – Bus Link / Swanholm Gardens
* Tilehurst – Overdown Road / Tring Road
* Tilehurst – Overdown Road / Dark Lane
* Tilehurst – Long Lane / Denefield School
* Tilehurst – Knowsley Road / Warley Rise
* Purley – A329 Oxford Road / Footpath to Highfield Road
West Berskshire executive councillor Keith Chopping (Con, Sulhamstead), said: “We’re pleased to be trialling this scheme and to be one of the first authorities in the area to do so.
“It can only be of benefit to those people who are visually impaired and I look forward to receiving any feedback from the users about the scheme.”
Any feedback about the system can be sent to transport@westberks.gov.uk