Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG ) is taking a further step towards inclusion and accessibility: in future, talking buses and streetcars will provide both audible and visual destination and route information via a new mobility system called INTROS. An acoustic passenger information system, developed in collaboration with the Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBV) and implemented by the company Trapeze, will soon make it much easier for passengers with visual impairments to find their way around local public transport.
“Talking” buses and streetcars
At the heart of the innovation is the combination of “talking vehicles” and a “talking app”. In future, the system will announce the route number and destination of the arriving bus or streetcar via an external loudspeaker at bus stops. This will enable blind and visually impaired people to quickly and easily identify the right vehicle, especially at busy stops where several lines stop. The app will also make boarding easier and provide safe, user-friendly orientation.
A project by those affected for those affected
A key feature of the INTROS system is the collaboration with the SBV. This ensured that the specific requirements of blind and visually impaired people were directly incorporated into the development. With the approach of optimizing the system for “two-senses orientation”, the SNB also emphasizes that it is a solution “by those affected for those affected”.
Pilot project will bring talking buses next year
Implementation of the measure is planned for the coming months. After an intensive development and installation phase, the first buses and streetcars are to be equipped with the new technology next year in order to test its functionality in a trial phase. If this is successful, BVG plans to convert its entire fleet to talking buses and streetcars.
BVG is thus sending out a strong signal for greater accessibility and comfort in local public transport. This development underlines the goal of making public space accessible to all people, regardless of their individual abilities.