Introduction

GoMedia has developed Luna, a smart application powered by Signapse technology and integrated with GoMedia’s accessible wayfinding solution, ‘Visor’. This translates digital information listed online into BSL and transmits it directly to the user through their smart device via a personalized digital signer.

The development and testing of the solution has been funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), through the £5.3m First of a Kind 2023 (FOAK23) competition, delivered jointly with Innovate UK (part of UKRI) and High Speed Two (HS2) Limited.

There are more than 150,000 people in the UK who rely on BSL, meaning that many passengers who are deaf or have hearing loss struggle to access essential information whilst travelling. This can be particularly difficult during service disruptions, as information is often shared through audio announcements and is not always available on visual displays or signs.

Project Luna

Project Luna utilizes a unique webpage, accessed by URL or QR code, enabling customers to access station and facility information, live departures and disruptions, and station announcements in up to 33 different languages. Passengers can also access information through audio and text announcements, expanding the utility beyond BSL users.

Matthew Bromley, Head of Business Intelligence at ARL, stated: “We are committed to finding solutions which will help London Overground passengers travel independently and with ease, so it made perfect sense to trial GoMedia’s Luna solution.”

The solution is being trialed across five London Overground stations from May until September 2024.

Read the original press release here

Accessibility Challenges in Public Transport

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) reports that 4 out of 10 blind and partially-sighted passengers cannot make all the journeys they need. This creates challenges for potential passengers who may be locked out of the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Question 1: NaviLens Solution

Raúl Moreno, NaviLens: NaviLens is designed to help people with vision loss navigate their environment independently using high-contrast, color-coded symbols detectable by smartphones. This innovative technology empowers users with real-time access to relevant data based on their location by scanning NaviLens codes with their smart device.

Sven Koster, GoMedia: GoMedia aims to improve the overall journey experience by adopting an inclusive approach that addresses the needs of all passengers, including those with sight loss.

Robin Spinks, RNIB: Visor’s versatility allows the solution to be implemented across different contexts, improving user experiences and providing information in various formats.

Question 2: Challenges in Deployment

Raúl Moreno, NaviLens: Successful deployment of NaviLens requires collaboration among stakeholders to determine optimal locations for code placement, ensuring effective navigation through diverse environments.

Sven Koster, GoMedia: With multiple deployments of Visor, GoMedia has learned to handle various challenges, including managing projects in busy, dynamic environments, like London Euston station.

Robin Spinks, RNIB: Understanding the architectural differences of various public transport environments helps us enhance user experience based on context.

Question 3: Insights from Other Sectors

Raúl Moreno, NaviLens: The financial scrutiny in public transport makes innovation adoption hesitant; however, solutions like Visor can bridge this gap by enhancing customer experience and encouraging public transport use.

Sven Koster, GoMedia: Hidden disabilities can complicate the use of traditional signage, emphasizing the need for a broader accessibility approach in public transport.

Robin Spinks, RNIB: By providing information in multiple languages and formats, we can improve overall mobility for all passengers, including those with varying levels of sight loss.

Question 4: Future of Visor

Raúl Moreno, NaviLens: NaviLens aims to prove reliability across various conditions, looking to increase adoption within established transport networks.

Sven Koster, GoMedia: Ongoing discussions with public transport players about NaviLens technology show a firm commitment to improving accessibility.

Robin Spinks, RNIB: We encourage everyone to download the NaviLens app and share their experiences with us to enhance our efforts in improving accessibility.

Conclusion

NaviLens technology allows blind and partially-sighted individuals to access important information in busy spaces such as train stations. Successful deployments in cities like New York, Barcelona, and Los Angeles illustrate its versatility and effectiveness. The continued partnership among stakeholders in public transport ensures that innovative solutions like NaviLens and Visor pave the way towards a more accessible transport environment for everyone.

About KeolisAmey Docklands

KeolisAmey Docklands operates the DLR under franchise for Docklands Light Railway Limited. It is committed to improving accessibility for all customers.

About GoMedia

GoMedia develops infotainment platforms and is focused on enhancing the passenger experience through advanced technology solutions.