Bus Bells: Understanding Their Working Mechanism

how do bus bells work

Bus bells, also known as bell cords, are used by passengers to signal to the driver that they would like to stop at a particular bus stop. The standard system of bell codes on UK buses is as follows: one push means the bus is stopping, two pushes mean the bus is ready to leave, and three pushes mean the bus is full. In the past, conductors would operate the bell push, but with the advent of one-person operation, it is now the passenger who calls the shots. While bus bells used to be a pull cord, some cities have replaced them with strips of wall-mounted tape for passengers to press.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To signal to the driver to stop the bus at the next stop
Mechanism Pulling a cord or pressing a button
Visual Appearance Yellow cord or strips of wall-mounted yellow tape with a red button
Audio A bell or buzzer sound
Usage Passengers are expected to press the bell once and remain seated until the bus has stopped
Variations Some buses have different bell codes to indicate if the bus is stopping, ready to leave, or full

shunauto

The history of bus bells

Over time, the role of the conductor was phased out in favour of ""one-person operation", where the driver took on the responsibilities of both driving the bus and managing passenger needs. This change began in the 1950s with new double-decker bus designs that had the engine compartment at the rear and the entrance door by the driver. By July 1966, transport regulations in the United Kingdom allowed for these urban double-decker buses to be operated by the driver only.

With the transition to one-person operation, the bell system also evolved. Instead of the conductor operating the bell, passengers now had the ability to signal to the driver that they wanted the bus to stop. This was typically done through a "bell pull" or "bell cord", a woven textile, pull cord, handle, or knob that, when pulled, would ring a service bell. This system was used in New York City buses starting in the late 19th century but was phased out beginning in 1980 in favour of wall-mounted yellow tape for passengers to press. However, other cities like Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles retained the bell cord system.

In the UK, the standard system of bell codes for passengers included one push to indicate the bus is stopping, two pushes to indicate the bus is ready to leave, and three pushes to indicate the bus is full. Over time, the design of bell pushes has evolved to improve accessibility, with changes in placement and colour contrast to accommodate visually impaired and vertically challenged passengers.

shunauto

How to use a bus bell

Bus bells, also known as bell cords, are used to signal to the driver that you would like the bus to stop at the upcoming bus stop. They are typically found on older bus models and are being phased out in favour of touch pads or strips of wall-mounted tape.

To use a bus bell, you would usually pull the cord once firmly to signal to the driver that you intend to disembark at the next stop. On some buses, there may be a standard system of bell codes, where one push means the bus is stopping, two pushes mean the bus is ready to leave, and three pushes mean the bus is full.

After pressing the bell, it is considered common protocol to remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop. This is for your safety, as the bus may need to brake suddenly.

In some cases, you may find that the bus bell is a push button, which you would press to signal to the driver.

shunauto

Why some people press the bell multiple times

Bus bells, also known as "bell cords", are used by passengers to signal to the driver that they want to halt at a particular bus stop. While it is customary to press the bell once, some people press it multiple times. This phenomenon is observed in different parts of the world, including London and other parts of the UK, New York City, and San Francisco. There are several reasons why some people press the bell multiple times:

  • Lack of Observation: Some people don't notice that the bell has already been pressed, especially if they are engrossed in their phones, listening to music, or reading.
  • Confirmation of Stop: Some passengers want to ensure that the driver is aware of their intention to get off at the upcoming stop, as sometimes drivers may not pay attention or assume that the first press was accidental. Repeatedly pressing the bell gives them a sense of control and confirmation.
  • Multiple Passengers: In some cases, different passengers press the bell for the same stop, resulting in multiple presses. This is more common on buses with multiple doors or upper and lower decks, where the driver might not notice a single bell press.
  • Habit and Enjoyment: Some people admit to pressing the bell multiple times out of habit or because they enjoy the sound and the sense of satisfaction it provides.
  • Special Circumstances: In certain locations, such as wheelchair-accessible buses, passengers with disabilities may ring the bell multiple times to indicate that they need assistance.

While pressing the bell multiple times can be annoying to other passengers, most buses are designed to prevent excessive ringing, with features like a "STOPPING" sign or a limit on the number of dings per stop.

shunauto

The cost of installing bus bells

The decision to revert to the bell cord system was influenced by both cost and rider experience. The cord system is cheaper to install and repair, and it offers a more tactile and satisfying experience for riders. The MTA expects to save money by choosing the more cost-effective option, and riders will benefit from a more intuitive and engaging way to signal their stop.

The process of replacing the entire bus fleet with the new bell cord system is expected to take about a decade. During this transition period, some buses may still have the old press tape system, while others will feature the reintroduced bell cords. This gradual approach allows the MTA to manage the costs of the upgrade while ensuring that riders can continue to use the bus service without significant disruptions.

While the bell cord system is more affordable, it is not without its challenges. Some riders, especially children, may be tempted to pull the cords repeatedly or hang on them, leading to potential vandalism and distraction for the driver. However, the MTA has likely considered these possibilities and will implement measures to mitigate any potential issues. Overall, the decision to install bus bells, with their associated costs and benefits, is a step towards enhancing the rider experience and improving cost efficiency for the transit agency.

shunauto

The different types of bus bell

Bus bells, also known as "bell cords" or "stop request cords", are used by passengers to signal to the driver that they would like the bus to halt at the upcoming stop. While there may not be a variety of bells on buses, there are different types of buses that have bells, and there are other methods of signalling a stop.

In New York City, the traditional bell cord was phased out starting in 1980 and replaced with strips of wall-mounted yellow tape for passengers to press. However, in 2009, the city began reintroducing the bell cord in all new buses, citing cost-effectiveness and rider familiarity. The bell cord system costs $293 per bus compared to $1,056 for the touch tape system.

Some newer buses with WiFi and USB ports have bells that ding four times when pressed, which may explain why multiple passengers press the bell in quick succession. Additionally, on some buses, disabled passengers or wheelchair users may ring the bell multiple times (usually three) to indicate that the driver needs to pull in close to the kerb and deploy the ramp.

Other methods of signalling a stop on a bus include push-button systems, either on the aisle posts or wall-mounted, and switches on interior columns near the doors.

Frequently asked questions

A bus bell is a signalling device that allows bus passengers to notify the driver that they would like to get off at the next stop.

Bus bells can be activated in different ways, depending on the bus model and location. Some buses use a "bell cord" or "bell pull", which is a plastic-coated wire or woven textile cord that passengers pull to signal their stop. Other buses use push buttons or strips of wall-mounted tape that passengers press to indicate their desire to disembark. When activated, the bell makes a ringing or buzzing sound, and sometimes a "stopping" sign lights up.

Bus bells provide a way for passengers to remind the driver to stop the bus at the appropriate time. Before buses transitioned to one-person operation, conductors would operate the bell push. Now, passengers are in charge of signalling their stop by pressing or pulling the bell.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment