Avanti West Coast has introduced wayfinding technology to help visually impaired customers navigate its stations by using a smartphone app.
Teaming up with software developer, GoodMaps, the intercity operator has made the app available at three of its stations on the West Coast Main Line.
Known as GoodMaps Explore, the navigation tool which is designed to support people to find their way independently by giving a digital map with precise directions to points of interest, can now be used at Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, and Rugby stations.
Whether it is the ticket office, toilets, taxi rank, platform, or refreshments, customers can select their chosen destination to receive step-by-step guidance.
The fully accessible and free app allows a smartphone to locate and orientate a journey through the station. Users simply hold up their smartphone and image recognition technology identifies their position to give accurate directions from their current location within the station.
GoodMaps Explore offers a range of features for people with disabilities – with options to support screen readers, to selecting step-free routes – providing greater options and flexibility for customers.
While the technology is designed first and foremost for blind and visually impaired people it can also help those with hearing impairments or anyone who may be anxious about travelling.
Customers can utilise the technology, which provides a static view of the station, to experience the station environment remotely and familiarise themselves with the location of facilities, as well as plan their journey from entrance to destination in advance.
With Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street, London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, and Milton Keynes Central stations already featuring on the app, the addition of the three Avanti West Coast stations will now enable some customers to choose to make end-to-end journeys independently.
The introduction of this technology is the latest initiative by the train operator to support disabled customers travelling on its network. It follows the launch of Avanti West Coast’s industry-leading ‘Travel Companion’ service – a dedicated communications channel to provide disabled customers with instant help during their journey – in February.
Brandon Peat, Accessibility and Inclusion Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want everyone to feel they can travel independently, so we’re proud to have partnered with GoodMaps to give customers the option to navigate stations by themselves.
“The rollout of GoodMaps Explore will provide a consistent experience for customers at both ends of their journey on the west coast and help to make their whole journey as seamless as possible. This technology also offers opportunities to provide additional help to those who may need extra support during their journey.
“We hope to expand it to all our stations in the near future – supporting our commitment to enabling independent travel for all.”
Neil Barnfather, Chief Commercial Officer at GoodMaps, said: “Transport is a cornerstone of so much of life; be that in accessing employment, healthcare, social and leisure opportunities and more besides. A fundamental pillar of this lies in being able to access transport systems with ease, confidence and autonomy. GoodMaps is empowering people to do just this and through Avanti West Coast’s commitment the network of locations people can travel to independently has grown yet further.”
Photo credit: Avanti West Coast
