PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregonian reported that after TriMet rolled out its latest generation of “talking buses,” which warn pedestrians when a bus is turning, residents living along bus routes have complained of the volume of the warnings, particularly at night.
Harry Saporta, TriMet executive director of safety and security, told the newspaper that the agency is aware of problems with warning system misfiring and, on some buses, being louder than intended. He added that the transit system will begin testing a “night mode” feature that will either lower the decibels or turn off the warning technology between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. For the full story, click here.
TriMet gets complaints about ‘talking buses’
Residents living near bus routes say the warning system, which announces when a bus is turning, sometimes goes off at other times and is loud, particularly at night. The transit system will test a “night mode” feature that will either lower the decibels or turn off at night.
More Bus

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025
A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.
Read More →
San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps
The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Completes 11 CNG Bus Refurbishment Project for Fresno Area Express
The project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider, said officials.
Read More →
MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network
The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.
Read More →
ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.
Read More →
Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Read More →
