Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do blind or visually impaired use public transport? (self.Blind)
submitted by Nabstar333
What struggles do blind or the visually impaired encounter when using the bus or the subway? What form of assistance do they usually need? What is something they wish they could change about their public transit system that would help them?
KillerLag 3 points 2y ago
That question has a lot of factors involved. The two biggest one being where the public transit is, and the amount of vision someone has.
Some cities have minimal public transit that comes rarely and has almost no accessibility features. Others have significantly more (tactile markers, audible bus stop announcements, apps that can inform users when the next bus is coming), and those make it easier.
If someone still has usable vision, they can use a variety of visual devices to help (magnifiers, telescopes, even using their phone camera to zoom in). There are also audible GPS systems.
People also get O&M training on how to use their local transit. I would teach people how to recognize the stop locations, where to pay, and how/where to ask help when necessary.
In terms of assistance, that could vary greatly, depending on the person's ability. Some of the subways in my area do not have elevators or escalators, and my clients with support canes find is significantly harder to use. Some bus stops have multiple buses that stop at the same location, and the client has difficulty identifying which bus they need to take.
Some cities have minimal public transit that comes rarely and has almost no accessibility features. Others have significantly more (tactile markers, audible bus stop announcements, apps that can inform users when the next bus is coming), and those make it easier.
If someone still has usable vision, they can use a variety of visual devices to help (magnifiers, telescopes, even using their phone camera to zoom in). There are also audible GPS systems.
People also get O&M training on how to use their local transit. I would teach people how to recognize the stop locations, where to pay, and how/where to ask help when necessary.
In terms of assistance, that could vary greatly, depending on the person's ability. Some of the subways in my area do not have elevators or escalators, and my clients with support canes find is significantly harder to use. Some bus stops have multiple buses that stop at the same location, and the client has difficulty identifying which bus they need to take.
Nabstar333 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for your answer. How effective are those visual devices however such as a magnifier on a small phone screen? Do the people you teach often have any unaddressed concerns with current technology or is there something particular they struggle with in your area ?
KillerLag 2 points 2y ago
It can be effective, but highly dependent on individuals. People with the same eye condition can have varying levels of vision loss. Also, things like how bright/dark/cloudy can impact how well someone can see (some people like more light, others prefer it overcast).
It also depends on the phone. iPhones have decent cameras, but so do some Android phones. But there are some really shitty Android phones out there.
The biggest struggle with many of my clients is the cost. The most helpful technology often is the one that costs the most. Another common problem is age. The average age of my clients is 70+, and some do not want to learn the skills to use new technology (I literally have a client who still uses a rotary phone. He pays extra to keep the rotary option).
It also depends on the phone. iPhones have decent cameras, but so do some Android phones. But there are some really shitty Android phones out there.
The biggest struggle with many of my clients is the cost. The most helpful technology often is the one that costs the most. Another common problem is age. The average age of my clients is 70+, and some do not want to learn the skills to use new technology (I literally have a client who still uses a rotary phone. He pays extra to keep the rotary option).
Nabstar333 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
This has been extremely helpful. May I ask if its possible to reach out to you get some more information from your clients if possible?
KillerLag 2 points 2y ago
Sure, send me a message.
BlindLuck72 2 points 2y ago
I avoid public transit like the plague!!
Nabstar333 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Do you just hate public transit in general or is it a service you're not comfortable using
BlindLuck72 1 points 2y ago
In general public transit is very time consuming, and I seem to have the worst luck with other passengers.
Plumeria_Chicken 2 points 2y ago
Where I live, there is a pretty great bus system but no subway. My main issue is the app: there is an app for my bus system, but it does not work with voiceover very well, and all the stop locations are showcased on a very useless map. It is easier for me to use the Google Maps app. The app can find a stop, and can usually help me get there, but I prefer to go with a sighted person to find it the first time. After that, though, I'm good. My last problem is that multiple routes come to each stop. I know which route is mine, but there is no way for me to know the number of the bus without boarding and asking the driver. I hate doing this, though, because if I am not boarding, than I just made the driver stop for no reason and everyone else on and off the bus is slightly delayed. So I would add an external system that would say something like, "This is bus route 5", when it passes by a stop, or something so I know which route it drives. I would also improve the app.
Note: I use the bus barely ever, so I know what is wrong with it but there might be things I haven't learned yet.
Note: I use the bus barely ever, so I know what is wrong with it but there might be things I haven't learned yet.
Nabstar333 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for your response. I've heard from alot of other partially sighted bus riders that figuring out which bus is arriving is often an issue. I wanted to know to what limits the app you use use is able to help you specifically as a visually impaired user. Basically I want to know what you think is wrong with transit navigation apps for blind or visually impaired, but also what benefits do these same apps provide you? Do you think that overall apps like google maps are usable or just not an option at all.
vip-sizzles 2 points 2y ago
I use an app to help with planning routes, alerts for estimated arrival times & when I'm near my stops. Most buses here have audio announcements for the bus number & stops. I will also alert the driver of my stop when I first board.
Nabstar333 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thats great to here. Are you able to get live updates off the apps you use? For instance, if the bus your waiting for is delayed will the app alert you or is this something you'd have to ask. I also wanted to know what sort of accessible features your smartphone and the navigation app you use offer? Are features like TalkBack and voice control offered and easy to use? Do you own an expensive smartphone that has all the bells and whistles?
vip-sizzles 2 points 2y ago
Yes, the app mostly provides real-time updates & will estimate the times for the next 3 buses along the route. Sometimes a bus will come earlier than the app indicates but often I find it's pretty good with alerting when the bus is approaching. It's been a while since I've used it on Android but I remember Talk Back sometimes struggled with alerts if I was using the phone for another task like texting. So I often didn't use my phone while riding the bus. Voice over seems to handle it much better.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
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