NJ Transit testing new app that gives hearing or visually impaired real-time bus info
NJ Transit is piloting a new app to help bus riders who might be hard of hearing or visually impaired get real-time bus information.
New signs with large, colorful QR codes will be installed at 51 bus stops in New Brunswick — serving the 810, 811, 814, 815 and 818 routes — and will provide real-time bus departure information, route detours and other stop information in large text and through audio to assist customers.
"This pilot represents NJ Transit’s continued commitment to maximizing accessibility to our system for all those who rely on public transit,” said Kevin Corbett, president and CEO of NJ Transit.
How it works
NJ Transit bus customers should first download the NaviLens app to their smartphone.
Using the camera on a smartphone or other mobile device, customers can scan the new colorful QR codes on the signs, which can be scanned by riders up to 60 feet away — 12 times the distance of traditional QR codes, according to a press release announcing the program.
Once the sign is scanned on a smart device, customers should click on the link that pops up and it will direct users to the NaviLens app or website, where large text will display on the device, including information about when the next buses are arriving at that stop, whether there are any alerts and other stop information.
The information can also be read aloud by NaviLens for those who are visually impaired.
NaviLens supports 34 languages.
After the pilot program's conclusion, NJ Transit will determine if it makes sense to expand it throughout the system.
Tech improvements
News of the pilot program comes just weeks after customers complained that navigation apps such as Transit, Moovit and CityMapper no longer include NJ Transit's real-time bus departure information. While NJ Transit's app still includes real-time bus departure data, the data feed NJ Transit provides for third-party app developers is flawed and unusable, according to one app developer.
NJ Transit said this week they are still in talks with the app developer to resolve the data dispute.
Despite the data problems, the NaviLens program is just one of several ways NJ Transit has sought to expand its tech reach among customers.
In recent months and years, the agency has expanded its own app to include more features, such as real-time train and bus departure data, ticket purchasing, the recent addition of one-tap payment systems on buses and light rail, a new cash payment option in the app and other features including how crowded rail cars are.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Transit new app helps hearing or visually impaired riders
