TRANSIT WATCH : Speaking Part

Riding the bus in Southern California can ease the headaches of commuting, but it can be a trying experience for riders with disabilities, especially for the blind, if a driver forgets to announce bus stops.

Maneuvering through traffic safely is the first priority for bus drivers, and most do their best to remember to identify stops. But sometimes in the rush of automobiles and signals, they forget. So this is intended as a little reminder that calling out the names of streets is important to many riders.

Meet David Wolfe, one citizen who has spent a good deal of time and energy reminding bus companies of their duty to announce stops. Wolfe monitors drivers for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act as he rides local buses with his guide dog, Ivy. The act mandates that bus drivers routinely announce major intersections, transfer points and places of interest--and not just when a disabled person is aboard.

The Southern California Rapid Transit District, Orange County Transit District and Foothill Transit all are emphasizing to their drivers the importance of announcing bus stops.

The practice is helpful not just for the disabled. Other riders benefit too. It gives the elderly time to prepare to disembark, alerts riders who are reading or snoozing and provides a simple public service to people unfamiliar with the routes.

Riders do appreciate Southern California’s bus drivers, who make commuting easier on our car-choked streets. But they need to know where they are going--so, bus drivers, please speak up.