A trial of an app which supports visually impaired customers to navigate stations is being expanded to eight more stations.
The Aira app connects blind and partially sighted people to a remote adviser who can provide them with assistance while travelling.
Through the app, they will be able to communicate with the Aira adviser who in turn can use the phone’s camera to provide a visual description of the station environment.
The adviser will be able to support the customer by reading information boards, providing navigational assistance within the station or guiding the customer to a member of station staff, a ticket machine or toilet.
The app was introduced at four GTR stations in June last year: Brighton, East Croydon, London Blackfriars and Stevenage.
From March this year, it will be extended to eight more stations on the GTR network: Bedford, Brent Cross West, Chichester, Eastbourne, Finsbury Park, Haywards Heath, Luton Airport Parkway and Sutton.
GTR says: “The expansion of this trial will help more people to have the confidence to travel with us, no matter their disability or need for assistance.” The train operator is covering the cost of the app so it is free to use for customers.
Photo credit: GTR
