Performance and acceptability of the TfL Urban Bus Sound (AVAS)

Abstract

Transport for London's quiet-running bus fleet is required to include an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) compliant with UNECE Regulation 138 and as part of a wider series of safety measures as set out in their Bus Safety Standard towards the London Mayor's 'Vision Zero' objectives. As a public body, TfL must ensure that the Urban Bus Sound AVAS implementation is fit-for-purpose from a safety standpoint, is considerate of driver working conditions and is consistently implemented across a number of vehicle types, manufacturers and fleet operators. Additionally, as quiet-running vehicles increase across the London bus network, it must consider the impact on the urban soundscape. Over the course of two years, Phase 2 of the project addressed practical implementation and quality assurance challenges, bringing together soundscape and acoustic testing, on-street public and key stakeholder surveys, workshops with multiple vehicle manufacturers and operators as well as engagement with bus drivers. The project concludes by providing an optimised AVAS solution with specification and vehicle checks documentation to ensure successful roll-out. The project provides an important view on considerations for how AVAS can be implemented on public transport vehicle fleets, to consider and work with a wide range of public and stakeholder requirements.