Originally posted by Monorail Lime
As far as I can tell they are totally automated. Like the regular Japanese trains, there are musical tones that let you know the doors are about to close. If something is obstructing the door it opens a little but quickly tries to slam again... no holding it for your party!
Over here, we even have a verbal message... in two languages... to warn guests that the doors are about to close. I always joked around with my fellow cast members, telling them that I translated the spanish part, and it translated to, "Please change cars while the doors are closing" because at least 5 times a day, we'd press the door close button, and someone would leap out, and try and get into another car, only to have the door close on them, and they be trapped on the platform, separated from thier party. Now of course, I'd have two choices here... Dispatch the train, and have the guest yell at me, blaming me for separating them... or opening the door, letting them back in, causing a large delay, and now having all the guests building up on the platform angry with me for not letting them onto the train.
Originally posted by no2apprentice
Back to the monorail issue, maybe it would help with the busses if Disney themed them better. Better artwork on the exterior and interior...maybe put in some small LCD screens on the buses playing highlights from the Disney movie classics...that would at least keep kids entertained during the ride...and some of the adults, too!
Give me some time, I'm working on it
I'm not quite sure about video screens... however, audio such as music or whatnot might be a possibility. The only argument that I could forsee (aside from $$$) would be safety, in that it would distract the driver and he/she wouldnt be able to listen to thier radio. Then again, half the drivers turn off the radio, and a screaming kid is more distracting.
As for theming of the exteriors... personally, I would LOVE to see Disney wrap thier busses with artwork from various Disney movies and/or attractions. I mean, think about it... your 10yr old son... which bus would he rather ride... the standard Disney Transport bus, or the BUZZ LIGHTYEAR bus? The only issue that I can think of that might be a problem (but not really that big of one) might be kids requesting certain busses. *shrug* (Oh, and aside from money of course)
But at any rate, that is on one of my lists of "Things To Do" while here at Disney Transport. I'm currently in the process of trying to join one of the operational improvement committees, but of course, things aren't quite organized yet.
Originally posted by no2apprentice
One concern I have is that I have had some very entertaining bus drivers and I would hate to lose that "human touch".
Indeed!! We do have many bus drivers (myself included) who are quite entertaining. I know some bus drivers sing, do trivia, tell jokes, and other things to keep people amused. However, what I would like to see would be a "Talking Bus" system installed. This system would be for those drivers who aren't talkative... It's basically similar to the Monorails announcement system. It provides pre-recorded safety and destination information. It can also be adapted to play music and whatnot I beleive.
Originally posted by plpeters70
Interesting idea, but I think I would rather have the driver concentrate on the road. No offense to any bus drivers on here - I'm sure you're all great drivers, but it's the other tourists on the WDW roads that make me nervous.
I totally agree with you. I always joke around about it... My opening safety speil goes something like this: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard your last thrill ride of the night. We are a high speed turbulent thrill ride subject to sharp turns and sudden stops, because there are lots of crazy tourists out there who have NO clue what they're doing. So if you're standing, hold on for dear life. Those of you seated, you think you have it good, right? Guess again... you're going to be the ones they fall on!"
One of the things about the RTS bus that I like, is that I'm high up, so I can see further ahead. I also know areas that are infamous for tourist's to do strange things at. When you drive those roads on a daily basis... 75% of the time, you can predict what's going to happen. I Know when they're going to try and dart out in front of me... try and pass me in a merge (and ultimatly end up in the dirt... they forget, I'm bigger.) or when they're going to try and make an illegal (and dangerous) U-Turn. Of course... there's always the crazy one that does something different, like the Checker Cab that went through a red light, and down the wrong way of a one way street.
