Mobility for all is the next step

摘要

Travel for people with disabilities is progressively becoming more convenient and attractive with the emergence of a battery of ITS-based travel aids and apps. Their arrival is sorely needed. Research shows that, for example, 43% per cent of the two million vision impaired (VI) people living in the UK would like to leave their home mores often than they currently feel confident in doing. Given this confidence, they and others - including the mobility disadvantaged - can lead healthier lives, so lowering the costs of social care, and contribute positively to the economy by becoming active consumers and employable people. In London, young VI travellers are now carrying out the first trials of a new Wayfindr digital navigation aid at Euston tube station. The system, pioneered in a joint venture between the Royal London Society for Blind People (RLSB)'s youth forum and digital product studio ustwo, uses beacon technology to guide passengers through and around indoor urban environments.