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“These much-needed accessibility upgrades will drive the local economy forward, create opportunities for good paying jobs, and increase access to critical services,” Sen. Schumer said.
By Forum Staff
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Monday announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) would receive $2 million in funding to expand a pilot program that helps blind and low-vision riders as well as commuters with limited English proficiency better navigate the New York City bus and subway system.
The funds were awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help public sector agencies implement advanced smart community technologies in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety.
The grant will go toward adding more bus stops and subway stations capable of using the NaviLens and NaviLens Go phone apps. These apps use “NaviLens codes” – colorful, unique QR-style codes that help commuters safely navigate around public transportation systems. When the apps detect a “NaviLens code,” they provide commuters with context-specific information, in text or audio format, on nearby amenities such as station booth location, real-time transit information, elevator outages, and navigation directions to specific points on the platform. So far, the program has been tested at the Jay St-MetroTech Station in Downtown Brooklyn and along the M23 SBS Manhattan bus route.
Both the NaviLens and NaviLens Go apps, which can be can be downloaded on Android or iOS devices, use an algorithm to translate QR-style “NaviLens codes” into audio or text and allow customers to determine key information, including real-time arrival data, the accurate location and distance to the nearest stop, crowding levels, and boarding areas.
While NaviLens helps visually impaired commuters reads out signs and provides train arrivals in audio to help blind or low-vision users navigate the station, the NaviLens Go app provides sighted users visual in-station navigation, trip planning information, train arrivals and service status information in up to 34 different languages.
“Many thanks to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for helping the MTA secure this $2 million grant to expand our innovative wayfinding pilot with NaviLens,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “NaviLens’ innovative wayfinding and information solution will enhance communications and service delivery for customers with visual disabilities and riders -especially tourists- with limited English-language proficiency. This grant will help us continue delivering on our commitment to a fully accessible transit system which is reflected in this capital plans’ historic investments for accessibility. This mission includes testing innovative technologies like this one which change the game for how we engage with our riders. We thank both Senators for their continued vote of confidence in the MTA and their support delivering a more inclusive and welcoming transit system for all.”
“I’m proud to deliver this critical funding to make our subway and bus systems more accessible for the visually impaired or those who have limited English proficiency,” Schumer said. “I worked hard to secure funds in the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the SMART grant program so New York’s transit agencies can keep all New Yorkers moving and our economy going strong. These much-needed accessibility upgrades will drive the local economy forward, create opportunities for good paying jobs, and increase access to critical services.”
