Metrobus has accessibility plans for blind passengers, but resident voices concerns | CBC News

Metrobus Introduces Bus Stop Announcement System to Improve Accessibility for Blind Passengers

Metrobus is taking steps to enhance accessibility for blind passengers by implementing a bus stop announcement system. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Partnership with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind

General manager Judy Powell announced that Metrobus has partnered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to develop an app that will assist blind pedestrians in locating bus stops and receive alerts when a bus is approaching. This collaboration demonstrates Metrobus’s commitment to Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it leverages the expertise and resources of both organizations to create a more inclusive public transportation system.

The implementation of the bus stop announcement system and app will be rolled out gradually over the next few months, ensuring a smooth transition for blind passengers.

Feedback from Blind Passenger

Philip Strong, a blind resident of St. John’s who regularly uses Metrobus, appreciates the efforts made to improve accessibility. However, he emphasizes the need for additional features to further enhance the experience for blind passengers.

• External Announcement System: Strong suggests the inclusion of an external announcement system at bus stops to inform passengers about the direction in which the bus is heading. This would enable blind passengers to have a better understanding of their surroundings and make informed decisions about boarding the bus.
• Tactile Stops: Strong proposes the installation of tactile systems in the sidewalk near bus stops, which would provide tactile cues to indicate the proximity of a bus stop. This aligns with Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it promotes inclusive urban environments.

Strong also raises concerns about the limitations of relying solely on the app for locating bus stops. He highlights that not all blind individuals may have accessible phones or may find it cumbersome to use an additional device while carrying bags or using a guide dog.

Furthermore, Strong emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the path to the bus stop is accessible, with clear and wide sidewalks that allow individuals with disabilities to reach the bus stop safely. This aligns with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it addresses the need for equal access to public transportation for all individuals.

Future Plans

Metrobus plans to issue tenders for the announcement system in April, further demonstrating their commitment to improving accessibility. By incorporating feedback from blind passengers and considering the SDGs, Metrobus aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable public transportation system in St. John’s.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access).

Analysis

The article discusses Metrobus’s efforts to make public transportation more accessible for blind passengers. This issue is connected to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 11.2, which focuses on providing convenient access to public transport for all individuals. The article mentions the implementation of an app that will assist blind pedestrians in locating bus stops and alert them when a bus is arriving. This aligns with Indicator 11.2.1, which measures the proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, including persons with disabilities.

Additionally, the article touches on the importance of accessibility in public transit for individuals with disabilities. This issue is also relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential health-care services for all. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, ensuring accessible public transportation contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 3.8, which focuses on achieving universal health coverage and access to essential health-care services. The corresponding indicator, Indicator 3.8.1, measures the coverage of essential health services.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: cbc.ca

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.