S.A.F.E. Buses Project

Description

Transport for NSW (Transport) is transitioning its fleet of over 8,000 diesel and natural gas buses to zero emissions technology, as part of the Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) Program. ZEBs are very quiet at low speed, which may pose a risk to people’s safety, especially vulnerable road users including people with vision-impairment. 

In late 2023, Transport proactively introduced a new road safety standard requiring all ZEBs to be fitted with an AVAS. Transport is currently investigating options to introduce a standardised, sector specific Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound for its growing fleet of ZEBs in compliance with current road safety standards. A standardised AVAS sound will enhance people’s safety by making it easier for people to identify an approaching bus and distinguish it from other road vehicles. The project will take into consideration: current standards applicable to the AVAS sound; the effectiveness of the AVAS sound in terms of audibility, recognisability, learnability, and other safety-critical features; the needs and requirements of a diverse group of key stakeholders; and the impact of the AVAS sound on our cities' soundscape and how it can contribute to a more pleasant experience for the wider community.

The AVAS sound will comply with current standards and will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including vulnerable road user groups, other state jurisdictions, passengers, bus operators, bus drivers and more.

Impact

At low speeds, electric vehicles are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions with cyclists and pedestrians, contributing to overall road trauma. This increased risk may stem from the fact that at low, steady speeds, electric vehicles are nearly silent, making them more challenging to detect than conventional vehicles. AVAS sounds for Zebs are important for maintaining safety but also have potential to influence the future soundscape of our cities. Therefore, it is important to design a sound that considers safety, but also the psychoacoustic experience for the wider public in a post-Internal Combustion Engine transport system.

Partners

• Professor Anjum Naweed is sub-contracted to University Technology-Sydney (UTS)
• iMove Australia
• Transport for NSW and University of Technology Sydney