May 05, 2016
SEPTA will soon implement an audible turn warning system on its buses as an added safety measure for potentially distracted pedestrians.
The transportation agency said Tuesday it's equipping all buses with the Safe Turn Alert system later this year.
SEPTA first installed the system on 12 buses in March 2015 as part of a pilot program.
Buses with the Safe Turn Alert system automatically release a recorded message, "Pedestrians, bus is turning," when they make a left or right.
Buses with the system also have strobe lights near the front of the vehicle that flash during a turn.
SEPTA said the reaction from drivers — who do not need to manually operate the system — was "overwhelmingly positive" during the pilot program.
The agency hopes it will help decrease the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians — particularly those engrossed in their cellphones.
