The DR500C+ Talking Bus®

The DR500C+ Talking Bus® is the industry-standard automated stop announcement and passenger information system for modern public-transit vehicles.

The DR500C+:

• Has been redesigned to include many new and improved features;
• Meets ADA requirements for internal and external announcements;
• Relieves operators from announcing stops;
• Provides a consistent messaging environment to the rider;
• Has extensive system integration capabilities;
• Is completely solid-state and rugged;
• Automatically adjusts to varying on-vehicle noise levels;
• Is easily updated and enhanced;
• Is the industry-proven choice in voice announcement systems

New features. Digital Recorders, Inc. has made many improvements to our popular DR500C Talking Bus® product based on customer feedback. Upgraded features of the DR500C+ include:

The DR500C+ also serves as a drop-in replacement for your existing DR500C units.

Meets ADA requirements for internal and external announcements. As of October 7, 1991, transit systems providing fixed route service have been required by law to announce major stops. The DR500C+ Talking Bus® system satisfies all ADA requirements and ensures your fleet's compliance with this ruling.

Relieves operators from announcing stops. Digital Recorders, Inc. recognizes that a vehicle operator's primary responsibility is the safe transportation of passengers. The DR500C+ Talking Bus® system is designed to require minimal input from the driver via the Operator Control Unit (OCU), and can be optionally equipped with GPS for completely automatic operation.

Provides a consistent messaging environment to the rider. Digitally recorded announcements (not computer synthesized) are always accurate, clear, and easy to understand. Optional internal signs can be installed to help visually reinforce announcements as well as convey additional information. Multilingual messaging is also easily implemented.

Has extensive system integration capabilities. The DR500C+ Talking Bus® is designed to facilitate and support the integration of multi-vendor equipment, both existing and future, into a coordinated system. Integration with onboard equipment such as destination signs, stop request, and wheelchair lifts are routine. Additional I/O ports, software support for equipment-specific protocols, and third-party equipment can all be added without modification. Support for industry-standard protocols such as J1708/1587, RS-485, 422, and 232 are built-in, making the Talking Bus® ideally suited for use as a data-collecting Vehicle Logic Unit.

Is completely solid-state and rugged. The system has been designed to meet the harsh environmental conditions found in transit applications, as defined in SAE J1455. It is immune to extremes in temperature, humidity, shock, and vibration. Digital Recorder's production facility is ISO 9002 certified and meets IPC, Military, and Bellcore standards for workmanship and cleanliness.

Automatically adjusts to varying on-vehicle noise levels. Ambient noise levels both inside and outside the vehicle are constantly monitored. Announcement levels for both riders and boarders are automatically adjusted to ensure appropriate volume.

Is easily updated and enhanced. Day to day route changes and additions are easily accommodated with the Central Recording Station (CRS), a Windows NT-based editing suite. Additional system enhancements, such as GPS-based automated triggering, can be added to the Talking Bus® at any time.

Is the industry proven choice in voice announcement systems. Digital Recorders, Inc. has installed over 6000 DR500C Talking Bus® systems at over 80 transit properties - more voice announcement systems than all of our competitors have installed, combined. During this time we have also worked hard to establish customer service that is second to none.

Still need more info? Click here for an overview of the DR500C+ Talking Bus® system.