Unique Applications

Sometimes our customers utilize the DR500C Talking Bus system in creative ways. An example of such an installation is with Historical Tours of America, a company which specializes in trolley-based narrative tours of historic areas throughout the United States.

Problem: Historic Tours of America identified several areas for improvement in their trolley-based narrated tour services:

• Although it was important for some narrative to be given by the driver to add a "personal touch" to the tours, it was found that the quality and accuracy of information could vary significantly depending upon the skill level of the driver.
  
  
• A high turn-over rate of drivers was being experienced, in part due to the strain of trying to memorize and give a complete tour narrative while at the same time safely operating the vehicle.
  
  
• Attempts at supplementing tour narrative with music and sound effects via cassette tape had failed due to unreliable media and high maintenance of equipment. This system also made it nearly impossible to precisely skip portions of the tour narrative when necessary due to a detour or road construction.

• Two versions of each tour have been produced and stored for automatic playback on the DR500C.
  
  
  • The first version includes music and sound effects which are played at relevant moments, while an experienced driver gives the entire narrative. This version allows the polished "showman" to give the riders a unique and memorable tour.
    
    
  • The second version includes some of the tour narrative, while still allowing the inexperienced driver to "voice-over" any extra information he or she may have memorized. This ensures a quality tour to the customer regardless of the driver's skill level.
    
    
• By utilizing the narrated and un-narrated versions of the DR500C Talking Bus automated tour, drivers are able to "learn as they go". As they become more familiar with the tour information drivers can begin adding narrative on their own, eventually narrating the entire tour themselves.
  
  
• The DR500C is an ideal replacement to Historical Tours' aging cassette tape music and sound-effects system. It is extremely rugged and contains no moving parts to wear out over time. All announcements and music are stored digitally and do not degrade over time. In addition, access to any portion of the tour is instantly available to the driver via the Operator Control Unit, which easily accommodates any changes to the normal tour route.