An app that improves accessibility for blind and partially sighted people on railways in London and the southeast is set to undergo trials on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
In a first for the UK's railways, the app will connect blind and partially sighted people to a remote advisor who will then use the passenger's smartphone camera to guide them quickly around railway stations to a suitable member of staff.
The app is currently being trialled at Brighton, Stevenage, London Blackfriars, and East Croydon. Passengers at these stations can call an advisor from their phone for assistance with anything from checking the departure board and locating a platform to finding a member of staff, a ticket machine, or a toilet.
The app named “Aira” can be downloaded on the Apple App and Google Play stores, and Govia Thameslink Railway will cover the cost of the service in the four stations taking part in the trial, but data charges may apply depending on the customer's mobile phone data plan.
The roll-out is being supported by regional groups of blind and partially sighted volunteers, known as Sight Loss Councils, which are funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Research by the Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils during their Listening Month campaign found that 65 per cent of blind and partially sighted respondents say that what most matters is access to public transport.
Passengers without smartphones can access a wide range of other options available to obtain assistance when using the railway through the dedicated assistance pages on Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern's websites.
Govia Thameslink Railway's Accessibility Lead, Carl Martin, said: “We want everyone to have the confidence to travel with us, no matter what their disability or need for assistance, so we're always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve.
“All our staff are trained to assist our customers, whatever their needs. We hope this app can improve the support we already offer blind and partially sighted customers to put them in control of their journeys.”
London Sight Loss Council member and volunteer Vidya Nathan, whose vision is extremely restricted, said:”It is so important to make transport accessible for our blind and partially sighted community as we are heavily reliant on public transport for our daily life and to access social and work opportunities. Making transport accessible enables us to be more confident, safe, active and independent.”
On trialling the app at London Blackfriars on Monday, 12th June, she added: “This could be life-changing. It's just that confidence boost knowing there's someone on the end of the phone who won't leave you until you are safe. They did get me where I wanted to go. They were patient and super helpful. It was very, very good.”
London Sight Loss Council member and volunteer Amrit Dhaliwal from Hounslow is totally blind. She used the app to be guided to the ticket office and the lift. She said: “It was absolutely amazing! For some this could be absolutely life-changing, liberating.”
David Smith, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, said: “We believe everyone should be able to travel independently and safely and live the lives they want to lead. We are proud of our ongoing work with transport providers to make this happen through developing new ways of working and trialling new apps.”
