Sydney‘s public transport system is getting a modern update – but not everyone’s happy.
Transport NSW is changing up the language of its ‘confusing’ and ‘antiquated’ train announcements in a move some have slammed as ‘ridiculous’.
Phrases including ‘alight here’ and ‘terminate’ frequently heard on Sydney trains via the pre-recorded notices will be gradually swapped out for more ‘casual’ and ‘colloquial’ words.
Passengers will simply be told to ‘get off’ the trains rather than ‘alight’ and advised that a service ‘ends here’ instead of ‘terminates’ to avoid any confusion.
If a service is delayed, passengers will be warned their journey will take ‘extra’ not ‘additional’ time.
Transport NSW is changing up the language of its ‘confusing’ and antiquated’ train announcements in a move some have slammed as ‘ridiculous’
It was found the language used in current announcements was often misunderstood after 1,200 commuters were interviewed about their experiences on Sydney trains.
Many have welcomed the change saying the new wording will be easier for tourists to understand.
‘I often wonder how tourists would understand that terminology,’ one Sydneysider said.
‘Lived in Australia for 11 years, never understood what “alight” in train announcements was,’ another responded.
‘Haha, good. “Prepare to alight” always made me feel like I was about to catch on fire,’ another added.
‘It will allow some people with limited language abilities (including those with English as their second language) to more easily understand announcements. Who the hell uses “alight” anymore?’
However, others feared the terminology swap was ‘dumbing down’ their journeys.
‘It’s not “antiquated”, they are the appropriate and correct words in our big beautiful language but go ahead until we’re all just grunting at one another,’ one woman said.
‘I get it on an inclusive and accessible level, but the language doesn’t change access,’ a second noted.
‘Those same words are widely used around the world so I know makes it easier for me when travelling when the same or similar words are used. Seem to be ‘fixing’ a problem that doesn’t exist!’ a third complained.
Daily Mail
