App for visually impaired bus users in Surrey gets area expansion
Surrey County Council has expanded the Aira Explorer app trial to support more blind and partially sighted people in Surrey
Surrey County Council has expanded the Aira Explorer app trial to support more blind and partially sighted Surrey residents to travel independently and sustainably across the county.
The app allows customers to place a video call with a trained visual interpreter on speakerphone, who looks through the person’s smartphone camera to guide them between the bus stop and nearby rail stations.
The visual interpreters can also help read the timetable for them or explain the way into town.
The latest expansion will offer support to residents wanting to travel by bus to or from the following rail stations;
- Caterham
- Dorking
- Oxted
- Leatherhead
- Epsom Station and Clocktower
- Reigate
- Horley
This is in addition to the service already being offered at bus stations in Guildford, Staines, Redhill and Woking.
All app usage at these locations will be free of charge, provided by Surrey County Council using some of its allocation from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Fund.
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, says he hoped this expansion can provide people with support
“We’re keen to make bus travel accessible for everyone and hope this expansion will support people to travel confidently and independently. We’re very aware that using buses and navigating bus stations can sometimes be difficult for people with visual impairments.
Nikki Roberts, CEO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, says that it will provide people with confidence
“It’s fantastic news that the Aira app coverage has been extended. The app will provide our visually impaired members the support they need to feel much more confident when travelling independently."