Enhancing public transit accessibility for the visually impaired using IoT and open data infrastructures

ABSTRACT

In urban areas, public transit plays a significant role by offering mobility, but visually impaired passengers are faced with challenges due to poor access to transit information such as timetables and real-time service status. In this paper, we propose a public transit information system for the visually impaired integrating the concepts of IoT and Open Data infrastructures. We developed TalkingTransit (TT) -- a location-aware system that enables users to obtain real-time service status and timetables of public transit in Tokyo that has more than 1200 stations and 1500 bus stops. Unlike existing systems, our system can be used from off-the-shelf smartphones without requiring any dedicated hardware. It also provides in-station information using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology to help users identify a right platform or exit. The system was iteratively co-designed with blind users to develop interfaces specialized for their needs. A user study shows that our interaction design was well accepted and provided improved access to massive public transit information.

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Index Terms

• Human-centered computing

  • Human computer interaction (HCI)

    • Interaction devices

      • Touch screens

  • Interaction design

    • Interaction design process and methods

      • User centered design

• Social and professional topics

  • Professional topics

    • Computing profession

      • Assistive technologies

  • User characteristics

    • People with disabilities