Audible Stop Announcements Pilot
Date Created:
January 2026
Related Documents & Board Actions
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Bret Smith Transit Planner
Email: Bret.Smith@LTD.org
What will this project do?
LTD is proposing an Audible Stop Announcements Pilot to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and operational impacts of audibly announcing all transit stops system-wide using automated technology.
While LTD currently meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by announcing major stops, this pilot would expand announcements to every stop. Expanding announcements will improve accessibility for riders with visual impairments, support riders using mobility devices, and enhance overall rider awareness and confidence while traveling.
Budget
The total cost of the Audible Stop Announcements Pilot is limited to staff time.
The pilot will use LTD’s existing stop announcement system, minimizing the need for new equipment.
Budgeted costs may include:
- Outreach, engagement, and evaluation
- System setup and testing
- Operator training and support
Outcomes & Community Impact
The Audible Stop Announcements Pilot is expected to:
- Improve accessibility and independence for riders with visual impairments
- Better support riders using mobility devices by providing clearer stop identification
- Reduce uncertainty and missed stops for all riders
- Improve consistency of stop information across the system
We’ll use what we learn from the pilot project to help determine whether expanded announcements should be implemented system-wide.
Summary
Lane Transit District staff are proposing an Audible Stop Announcements Pilot to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and operational impacts of announcing all stops system-wide using automated technology. While LTD currently meets ADA minimum requirements by announcing major stops, this pilot would expand announcements to all stops, improving accessibility for riders with visual impairments, support riders using mobility devices, and enhance overall rider awareness. The pilot would leverage LTD’s existing GPS-based annunciator system and include a phased route rollout, operator and rider engagement, and structured feedback collection. Findings from the pilot will inform a potential system-wide implementation decision, with final evaluation results anticipated in 2026.
Tell Us What You Think
Rider and operator feedback is essential to understanding how expanded stop announcements affect the customer experience.
You can share your input by:
- Participating in rider surveys
- Providing feedback during the pilot period
- Sharing comments through LTD’s customer service online and in person
Your feedback will help shape future accessibility improvements.
Share your feedback with us using the following form.
What We Heard
Riders and operators have shared that:
- Clear, consistent stop announcements improve confidence and ease of travel
- Missed stops can be frustrating and disruptive, particularly for riders with visual or mobility challenges
- Automated announcements can support operators while improving reliability
- This pilot responds to those needs by testing a more comprehensive approach to stop announcements.
Status Updates
Current Status: Audible stop announcements began with Winter Service Changes on the Downtown Loop and will begin on Routes 11, 17, 18, and 36 throughout the next few weeks. Community members are welcome to share any feedback.
Next Steps: Survey data collection and analysis, evaluation, and Board of Directors review of pilot project results
Updates will be posted as the pilot progresses.
Timeline & Milestones
- 2025: Pilot development and preparation
- Winter 2026: Phased route rollouts and rider/operator engagement
- 2026: Data analysis, evaluation, and Board review
- Late 2026: Decision on potential system-wide implementation
