SCOTRAIL has announced it is set to replace its controversial AI voice announcer following backlash.
The National exclusively reported in May how the rail operator was using a generated voice, which it had dubbed "Iona", to make announcements on some train routes.
It received significant backlash from commuters, as well as from the professional voiceover artist whose accent was used to teach the software owned by Swedish company ReadSpeaker.
Gayanne Potter said she felt "violated" by the voice announcer and claimed her voice was being used without her permission.
Meanwhile, Fletcher Mathers – the woman who had been the voice of ScotRail trains for 20 years – told The National she only learned she was being replaced after a friend heard the new synthetic voice onboard.
First reported in the Sunday Mail, it is understood ScotRail is now sourcing an "alternative voice", after the rail operator previously suggested it had no plans to change it.
However, it is unclear whether the replacement will be a human recording or another AI-trained voice.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: "While subcontracts are a matter for ScotRail, this issue was raised directly with Ministers, both in correspondence and in Parliament, therefore it is entirely normal that information on the subject was provided to them.
"Our understanding is that ScotRail is working to make changes to the system, and this includes implementing an alternative ‘voice’ as soon as practicable."
ScotRail declined to give details on when the voice would be removed, but said it was "continuing to work with ReadSpeaker on the matter".
A spokesperson added: "While there is no update at present, we do expect to be able to provide a further update in the coming weeks."
