[ac888yow]

The City of Ottawa is broke. We have no money for such projects as the Congress Centre expansion. The current budget shortfall calls for anywhere from 7-15% tax increase.

The solution: Pull out the credit card!

- First is a ~$40 million dollar proposal for a new city archives facility. I guess renting out some space at Ottawa Mini Storage isn't luxurious enough a solution.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=8945727a-0814-4e83-87d8-d4e2e474283e

- Second is a ~$7 million dollar proposal for an automated stop announcing system for OC transpo buses. I guess enforcing the 20-year old rule where drivers must announce stops is out of the question.

http://www.cfra.com/headlines/index.asp?cat=1&nid=53169

Obviously I'm posting this stuff with tongue firmly in cheek, especially considering these are just proposals and not approved expenses. The potential irony is oh-so-sweet though!

[waterloowarrior]

Second is a ~$7 million dollar proposal for an automated stop announcing system for OC transpo buses. I guess enforcing the 20-year old rule where drivers must announce stops is out of the question.

http://www.cfra.com/headlines/index.asp?cat=1&nid=53169


Toronto, London and Waterloo Region, are all areas in Ontario that are currently implementing this or will do this in the next few years as a result of the recent ruling... other areas haven't announced their plans yet but would prefer to implement a system like this (they may want provincial funding, like Windsor) many US cities have a system like this as well.
There are a variety of reasons why all of these transit systems are implemented automated systems, from inconsistency of volume/clarity, having a tone/voice that doesn't annoy passengers, ergonomics of buses, increased distractions for articulated bus drivers, difficulty in doing fare enforcement/priority seating/helping special needs customers/announcing and still having reliable service. . .