By: Kat Hamilton
For passengers who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, riding transit without automated stop announcements can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Passengers might rely on the driver to notify them when they’ve reached their stop, but this can be unreliable. Drivers can get distracted or forget, resulting in missed stops and additional navigational challenges for the passenger.
In Moncton, New Brunswick, Codiac Transpo has greatly enhanced accessibility for passengers through the integration of audio-visual announcements on buses, aimed at improving the public transit experience for everyone, particularly those with disabilities.
The introduction of audio-visual technology is a direct response to the needs of people who may face challenges with traditional transit systems. The system includes real-time bilingual audio announcements that inform passengers about upcoming stops, while visual displays on buses show key information such as routes and stop names. CNIB worked alongside Codiac Transpo to develop and implement this solution by providing expertise and advice on this initiative so that it best serves the blind and low vision community.
This project represents an important step towards making public transportation more inclusive. The collaboration between Codiac Transpo and CNIB demonstrates how partnerships between community organizations and transit authorities can lead to innovative solutions that foster greater independence and accessibility for all.
Buses equipped with announcements continue to be rolled out across the city. For the most up-to-date list of routes with audio-visual announcements, passengers should consult the Codiac Transpo accessibility page.
CNIB is advocating for improved accessibility in public transportation across Canada. For more information and how to get involved, please visit our Safe and Accessible Journeys campaign page.