Innovative App Aira Enhances Station Accessibility for the Visually Impaired

GTR collaborates with Sight Loss Councils to offer the Aira app free at 8 additional stations, aiding blind and partially sighted passengers with guided navigation.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is taking significant strides to improve accessibility across its network for blind and partially sighted passengers by extending the free use of the Aira app to eight more stations. This initiative, in collaboration with Sight Loss Councils and supported by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, leverages technology to empower visually impaired customers with greater independence and confidence in navigating railway stations.

The Aira app connects users with trained advisors via video calls. These advisors can see the station environment through the smartphone's camera, providing real-time guidance to users over the speakerphone. The app's success in initial trials at Brighton, East Croydon, Blackfriars, and Stevenage stations has led to its expansion to additional locations, including Finsbury Park, Brent Cross West, and Luton Airport Parkway, among others.

Carl Martin, GTR’s Accessibility Lead, emphasized the company's commitment to inclusivity and the potential of innovative solutions like Aira to enhance the travel experience for passengers with visual impairments. He highlighted the comprehensive training received by GTR staff to assist customers with various needs and expressed gratitude towards the Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils for their pivotal role in this initiative.

David Smith, from the Thomas Pocklington Trust, underscored the importance of independent and safe travel for blind and partially sighted individuals. He shared his personal experience with Aira, noting how the app facilitates easier navigation in stations' often sprawling spaces and enables users to access services such as passenger assistance and amenities independently.

Testimonials from users like Paul Goddard and Pierre Shlimon at Chichester and Sutton stations, respectively, reflect the app's effectiveness in providing a sense of companionship and security, likening the experience to being guided by a friend or relative.

GTR encourages blind and partially sighted passengers to download the Aira Explorer app from the Apple Store or Google Play and invites feedback through a Customer Feedback Survey available on the assisted travel sections of Southern, Thameslink, and Great Northern’s websites. This feedback will help GTR gauge the app's impact and further refine its accessibility initiatives, ensuring that the railway network is welcoming and navigable for all passengers.