Avanti West Coast has begun implementing new wayfinding technology to aid visually impaired travellers in navigating stations across its network.
The smartphone app, developed by digital map company GoodMaps, supports customers by providing guided steps through cues initiated through a device’s camera, generating a digital map with precise directions to any points of interest throughout the station.
Image recognition technology allows the application to give accurate instructions from the user’s precise location within the station, offering a range of features for disabled customers such as a screen reader and step-free route identification.
“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.”
Customers are also able to use the app to gain a better understanding of the included stations before travelling, with static views of the locations provided to allow travellers to become familiar with their surroundings ahead of time.
With the aid of Avanti West Coast, the app now includes guidance in stations in Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent and Rugby, which join existing data available for Birmingham New Street, Liverpool Lime Street, London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly and Milton Keynes Central.
