Sault Transit becomes first in Canada to make the entire bus system accessible with BlindSquare
Friday, May 26, 2023
Sault Transit, in collaboration with
CNIB Frontier Accessibility, is pleased to announce the expansion of
BlindSquare Event app, an accessible navigation and wayfinding system into all City transit buses. The cutting-edge software uses GPS technology to estimate the proximity of bus stops, predict arrival times, and audibly identifies bus stops. This feature is part of the City’s Intelligent Transportation System designed to make riding the bus easier and more accessible for everyone.
“Expanding this program to support all City buses provides an opportunity to improve service delivery and help our customers more easily navigate the transit system,” said Brent Lamming, Director of Community Services. “Modelling and embedding innovative accessibility into transit brings new capability for our customers and signals world class service, attracts more riders, enriches diversity and inclusion and demonstrates leadership as a CNIB partner.”
Following the successful implementation of the service on two routes, CNIB Frontier Accessibility, in collaboration with Sault Transit and the Accessibility Advisory Committee, extended the initiative to encompass all seven routes, ensuring accessible wayfinding is now accessible on every bus. Accessible navigation is a critical piece to improving the transit user experience. In recent years, Sault Transit has implemented several initiatives including on-demand, the Northern Transfer point and purchasing over a dozen new accessible buses.
“We're proud to partner with Sault Transit, the first Transit Authority in Canada to make their entire bus system accessible with BlindSquare Event app technology. Together, we're thrilled to offer this innovative solution, ensuring safe, accessible, and informed journeys for all transit users. This inclusive platform goes beyond transportation, making a broader positive impact in the community by fostering social participation, independence, and empowerment,” said David Demers, President, CNIB Frontier Accessibility.
The customized integration by
CNIB Frontier Accessibility for Sault Transit users allows a new level of access. The technology not only transforms travel for riders that identify with having a disability, but also responds to other conditions affecting pedestrian movement, such as planned interruptions to service and bus stop relocations. All users of transit can benefit from improved service delivery.
The
BlindSquare Event app combines the latest technology to help people with sight loss travel on the City’s bus routes.
The BlindSquare Event app is free to download, and users have unexpired access anywhere in Canada. The app also supports additional accessories to enhance the user experience.
About CNIB Frontier Accessibility:
CNIB Frontier Accessibility is a
CNIB social enterprise, supporting businesses and organizations to ensure all Canadians with disabilities can benefit from barrier-free communities and workplaces. CNIB Frontier Accessibility is a national organization that specializes in a variety of cutting-edge accessibility solutions for organizations in a breadth of sectors. CNIB Frontier Accessibility’s approach to providing customized solutions ensures that all organizations will have the tools to champion a culture of inclusion. To learn more about CNIB Frontier Accessibility’s solutions, visit:
https://frontier-cnib.ca/.
About BlindSquare Event app:
BlindSquare is the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app developed for individuals who are deafblind, blind and partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s Event app’s self-voicing app delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside.