Shanghai will equip voice and data recorders, the equivalent of "black boxes" on airliners, to secure safer bus trips, yesterday's Shanghai Evening News reported.
About 250 buses on No.37, 42, 45, 71 and 112 routes are the first on which the black boxes will be introduced. By the year-end, they will be operational on some 2,000 buses, the report said.
"The black boxes will play a role in securing our bus journeys," said Ni Furu, director of No.112 bus line.
With data on road conditions and speed at certain sections along the route, the black box will monitor the ride and give warnings if the bus runs at a higher speed than the limit stored in it.
"Our bus drivers did feel pressurized by the black boxes during their initial rides," Ni said.
"The box will keep beeping if you don't lower your speed and the driver feels embarrassed as all the commuters on the bus can hear the warning voice."
(eastday.com June 14, 2002)
