New app launched to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted rail passengers

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has launched a free smartphone app, to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted passengers.

Starting today, in collaboration with Sight Loss Councils, GTR will offer free access to the Aira Explorer guidance app to all 236 of its Southern, Thameslink-managed stations and Great Northern stations.

Dave Smith, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “It’s great that GTR have made the decision to roll out Aira Explorer at all their stations. 

“Having Aira Explorer available could be enough to give someone the confidence to take the train knowing that they can arrive at a station and use Aira to support them through the station and to a member of staff.”

The Aira Explorer app allows blind and partially sighted customers to place a video call with a trained advisor who looks through the customer’s smartphone camera to guide them around the station on speakerphone.

Up until now, the app has been available to use at only 12 stations as part of a trial spearheaded by blind and partially sighted volunteers.

GTR Accessibility Lead Carl Martin said: “We want everyone to be able to use our services, regardless of their disability or need for assistance.

“Having successfully trialled this, we’re now making it freely available to use at all our managed stations. We’re really grateful to Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust for helping us introduce this.”

The app will be available at South London stations including Beckenham hill, Bellingham, Catford, Denmark Hill, East Croydon, East Dulwich, Elephant and Castle, Mitcham Eastfields, Mitcham Junction, Morden South, North Dulwich, Peckham Rye, Purley, South Croydon, Streatham, Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, Thornton Heath, Tooting, Tulse Hill, Wandsworth Common and West Norwood.

Pictured top: Volunteers test the Aira app (Picture: GTR)