'Ding ding' sound returns to reduce bus injuries

Transport for London (TfL) could be bringing back the original Routemaster sound to indicate when a bus is about to depart.

The old 'ding ding' sound is also being trialled with other sounds to see which would act as the best prompt for customers to hold on to handrails or stay seated until the bus has stopped.

The iconic Routemaster bus was known for its red colour, open rear platform and its 'hold tight' bell. It was phased out in 2005.

It is hoped the sound will help reduce the number of injuries, particularly for older customers who may remember the sound from years gone by.

Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of customer injuries on buses, accounting for around 71% of all injuries, TfL says.

The small-scale trial started last week on route 183 travelling between Golders Green and Pinner.

The second part of the trial is taking place this week on route 94 travelling between Piccadilly Circus and Acton Green.

On the buses where the sound is played there will be teams on board the buses to gather feedback from customers.

The feedback and wider behavioural analysis will then be used to determine if the trial was successful in prompting passengers to hold on while the bus moves off. The results will be reviewed before next steps are considered.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "London's classic red Routemaster bus is known across the globe and its 'ding ding' sound is instantly recognisable and nostalgic for many Londoners. "

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