The Voice Behind London's Transport: Emma Hignett Returns

In this special return episode of Lunch with Leon, we welcome back Emma Hignett, the iconic voice of London's transport network, for a fascinating discussion about the evolving world of transport announcements and the intersection of human expertise with artificial intelligence.

From Broadcasting to Buses: An Unexpected Journey 

As one of the most recognisable voices in UK transport, Emma shares the surprising path that led her from radio broadcasting to becoming the voice of London Buses, The Elizabeth Line, Go North East, and Go Yorkshire.

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing in voice synthesis and automated announcements, Emma explains the irreplaceable quality of human nuance in transport communications. While AI can now generate voices and even music, she shows how human voice artists bring crucial elements of empathy, context, and cultural understanding to their work.

The conversation takes a delightful turn as Emma reveals some of the more unusual bus stop names she's had to record in her distinctive 'bus voice.' Leon points out these anecdotes not only showcase the diversity of London's transport network but also highlight the unique challenges voice artists face in maintaining clarity and professionalism while tackling tongue-twisting location names.

The episode concludes with an unexpected twist – an AI-generated song about Emma's work as a transport voice artist. This creative experiment, emerging from Leon's recent exploration of AI capabilities at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, serves as the perfect illustration of how artificial intelligence can complement human creativity rather than replace it.

As transport networks continue to evolve and embrace new technologies, this episode underscores a crucial message: while artificial intelligence offers exciting possibilities for transport communications, the human element – represented by professionals like Emma – remains indispensable.

To listen to the full episode of this Lunch with Leon, click here.