17 May
Audio and Video Announcement of Bus Stops Now a Human Right in Ontario, Canada
Grand River Transit – which travels over twelve million kilometres per year in parts of Ontario, Canada – will buy more technology to automate the announcement of bus stops, using speakers and digital readouts. The decision follows a landmark ruling won by a blind Toronto passenger in 2007. Jeff Outhit of the The Record reports that the new technology will improve transit for all passengers in many ways. “Satellite tracking of all buses is required to automate announcements. Knowing where all buses are at all times helps keep buses on schedule. The technology can be further developed to tell passengers when their bus will arrive, in real time. It can help plan better bus routes, minimize delays, and speed responses when buses break down.” In addition, while this will be a great boon for blind and deaf passengers, even sighted passengers are sometimes unsure of stops so once again, a technology that helps a section of the disabilities community will help people in general.
