Transport Navigation for the Visually Impaired (Vin)

Navigating public transport can be challenging for passengers especially when they are visually impaired, stations can represent a complicated and daunting environment. This greatly reduces their access to public transport options impacting the lives of many and also increases the logistics of supporting passengers whilst travelling.

GoMedia have partnered with the RNIB and technology provider Navilens, to develop a technical solution that can improve public transport accessibility for the visually impaired. Our solution will help the visually impaired find their way around stations guiding them to platforms, coffee shops, facilities and more with the use of simple visual markers recognised by a standard mobile phone that delivers relevant timely information. We are also combining this with our real time passenger information system to ensure passengers are kept up to date with the latest changes on the network.

RNIB's knowledge, GoMedia's advanced Passenger Information Systems, Navilens's innovative visual recognition system will liberate the visually impaired travelling on Public Transport. Information can be sent to passenger devices that will empower visually impaired passengers to navigate around stations and onto their correct vehicle, even if they are unable to read standard signage and information screens. The information can be consumed by a passenger using the standard accessibility tools on their devices translating it in to a format that they are familiar with.

The technical solution can be either standalone, or be integrated into the Train Operator's or National Rail Enquires App when available maximising access to the solution and access to the UK train network.

Our focus is on the visually impaired, however, we will also investigate the impact on non visually impaired understanding if the solution will also assist other members of society, for example the elderly, school children or rural places where no screens can be installed at bus / tram stops. We have also been considering the benefit as we restart the economy of how our solution can be used to trigger information for all and reduce the number of physical touch points during a journey, increasing confidence to travel.