Interalia's transit voice is a winner with London Underground

Specially developed as an inexpensive passenger announcer for smaller low volume stations, the Transit Voice replaces the original “Mind the gap” announcer at half the cost of the original system. Up to four different audio messages may be triggered independently from one unit with each message controlled by its own delay. In total, up to nine different messages can be stored including emergency evacuation communications. The unit is easy to retrofit and can also be simply incorporated at stations where currently the train driver makes the “Mind the gap” announcements.

The Transit Voice units installed in the London Underground stations are triggered by track relays when the train enters the station, although other control transducers such as PIR and manual trigger can also be used with the system. The units utilise FLASH memory to store audio messages for playback. This ensures messages are retained even in the event of a power failure.

Interalia adapted an existing digital announcer to specifically meet the needs of London Underground when the original “Mind the gap” system at Finchley Road developed a fault and was found to be obsolete. Following the initial installation, a Transit Voice system was installed at the Mansion House and, most recently, at Paddington station. Other underground stations are currently carrying out evaluations.

The Transit Voice is one of two different platform announcers supplied to the London Underground. Interalia has also supplied its more sophisticated Commander system to over 20 large Underground stations including Oxford Circus and Bank/Monument. In 2001, Interalia formed a joint venture project team to develop a Help Point System, which is also now used extensively in London both on the Underground and Rail Terminals.