New app trialled to help blind people navigate South London railway stations

A new smartphone app that connects blind and partially sighted people to a remote adviser to guide them around railway stations has been trialled.

The app, named Aria, uses the passenger’s smartphone camera to help advisers guide them around.

In a first for the UK’s railways, passengers at London Blackfriars and East Croydon railway stations can ask an adviser speaking on their phone to help them with anything from checking the departure board and locating a platform, to finding a member of staff, ticket machine or toilet.

Govia Thames Railway (GTR) will cover the cost of the service in these stations taking part in the trial. The app can be downloaded on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Regional groups of blind and partially sighted volunteers, known as Sight Loss Councils, funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust are supporting the roll-out.

A key priority for the councils is access to public transport, so everyone can travel independently and safely. This is because 65 per cent of blind and partially sighted respondents say access to public transport matters to them the most. 

London Sight Loss Council member and volunteer Vidya Nathan, whose vision is extremely restricted, said: “It is so important to make transport accessible for our blind and partially sighted community as we are heavily reliant on public transport for our daily life and to access social and work opportunities. Making transport accessible enables us to be more confident, safe, active and independent.”

On trialling the app at London Blackfriars railway station on Monday, she added: “This could be life changing. It’s just that confidence boost knowing there’s someone on the end of the phone who won’t leave you until you are safe. They did get me where I wanted to go. They were patient and super helpful. It was very, very good.”

GTR’s accessibility lead, Carl Martin, said: “We want everyone to have the confidence to travel with us, no matter what their disability or need for assistance, so we’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve.

“All our staff are trained to assist our customers, whatever their needs. We hope this app can improve the support we already offer blind and partially sighted customers to put them in control of their journeys.”

Pictured top: Sight Loss Council volunteers test the Aira app at Blackfriars railway station (Picture: GTR)