"Silent Buses" & Jaywalking

[Brainonska511]

I just saw this letter in the NYTimes in response to this article:

To the Editor:

Re “New Buses Bring Silence to the Streets” (news article, Dec. 7):

I was alarmed when I read that the new city buses are virtually silent on the streets. Most people do not realize how much they rely on the sound of an approaching bus or car when crossing streets.

In a city that almost prides itself on jaywalking, I am deeply concerned that we will see an increase in accidents once more of these turbine hybrids are operating. It would seem to make sense for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to take proactive measures now that might actually include adding some kind of sound to the bus as it navigates the city. Please let’s not wait for the first fatality. It is only logical.

Spence Halperin
New York, Dec. 7, 2009

Is that really a concern for people when crossing the street? What happened to looking before crossing, especially when you're jaywalking? I say this person is full of crap and if someone gets hit by a bus because they weren't looking while crossing the street at an inappropriate time, we can hardly hold the 'silent' bus at fault.

And then there is the noise pollution issue - NYC (and other cities) are loud enough as it stands with current traffic. No need to add to the cacophony.

 

[theflyingpig]

It is only logical.

Live long, and prosper.

 

[Bignate603]

He's proud of jaywalking? Then he better be proud of getting flattened by a silent bus. Sorry, but if somebody is going to step out into traffic when they don't have right of way they better be prepared for what they're facing. Having a 'right' to jaywalk is right up there with that jerk here claiming that bikes always have the right of way.

 

[Brainonska511]

He's proud of jaywalking? Then he better be proud of getting flattened by a silent bus. Sorry, but if somebody is going to step out into traffic when they don't have right of way they better be prepared for what they're facing. Having a 'right' to jaywalk is right up there with that jerk here claiming that bikes always have the right of way.

Exactly.

However you choose to cross the street, you have the responsibility to look both ways and not blindly expect people to stop when you step into traffic. And the "right" to jaywalk. LOL. I'm kind of surprised that this idiot signed his name to such a stupid letter.

 

[olds]

Think of the blind people...

 

[Mike Gayner]

The letter writer is right - people rely on sound a lot more than they think. They should be adding a device which makes these buses audible.

 

[MotF Bane]

The only reason I can think of for the buses needing a sound is for the blind. For those with sight, look around before you go play in traffic.

 

[feralkid]

I saw Silent Bob & Jay walking.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Darwin bus?

 

[Leros]

Think of the blind people...

blind people still have the beeping walk signals, but you have to trust that a bus isn't going to run the light.

 

[JohnOfSheffield]

blind people still have the beeping walk signals, but you have to trust that a bus isn't going to run the light.

So think of the blind and deaf people.

Or the blind, deaf quaraphelegics who are trying to drag themselves over the crossing using the tip of their tounge.

It could happen.

 

[arcenite]

Darwin bus?

Perfect