Report on NJ Transit’s Technological Advancements for Sustainable Development Goals

A recent initiative by New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) introduces new accessibility applications, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequality, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable communities.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The deployment of the GoodMaps and Convo applications represents a targeted effort to advance key SDG targets. This initiative primarily supports:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By providing tools for individuals with visual and hearing impairments, NJ Transit is actively working to empower and promote the social inclusion of persons with disabilities (Target 10.2).
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project enhances public transportation systems to be more accessible and inclusive, providing safe and affordable transport for all, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations (Target 11.2).
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Through its collaboration with the Transit Tech Lab, NJ Transit is upgrading infrastructure with innovative technology to ensure equitable access for all (Target 9.1).

Technological Implementations and SDG Contributions

GoodMaps Application for Visual Impairment Assistance

The GoodMaps platform, now active at Hoboken Terminal, provides precise indoor navigation, significantly improving accessibility and contributing to the SDGs in the following ways:

• Enhancing Inclusion (SDG 10): Empowers visually impaired customers to navigate complex transit hubs independently, reducing barriers to mobility and promoting equal access to public services.
• Building Accessible Infrastructure (SDG 11): Makes public transit facilities more user-friendly for persons with disabilities, a core component of creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
• Functionality: The application offers turn-by-turn audio and on-screen text directions, similar to outdoor GPS systems but specialized for indoor environments.

Convo Application for American Sign Language (ASL) Users

The Convo service at Newark Penn Station facilitates communication for customers who use ASL, directly supporting SDG targets through:

• Reducing Communication Barriers (SDG 10): Ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing customers can communicate effectively with transit staff, guaranteeing equitable access to information and services.
• Promoting Equitable Access (SDG 11): By integrating ASL interpretation services into customer service operations, NJ Transit makes its system more accessible and inclusive for all community members.
• Functionality: Customers scan a QR code to connect with a live ASL interpreter, who facilitates seamless communication between the customer and an NJ Transit employee.

Fostering Innovation through Strategic Partnerships

This initiative was developed through a collaboration with the Transit Tech Lab, a program designed to integrate private sector innovation into public transit. This partnership model is crucial for achieving the SDGs.

1. Driving Innovation (SDG 9): The collaboration pilots new technologies to solve critical transit challenges, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing technological capabilities.
2. Strengthening Partnerships (SDG 17): The project exemplifies a successful public-private partnership aimed at achieving sustainable development objectives through shared expertise and resources.
3. Outcome: The pilot program demonstrates how technology and inclusive design can empower customers with disabilities to travel with greater confidence, setting a precedent for future advancements in public transit accessibility.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights initiatives by NJ Transit to improve accessibility for customers with disabilities, directly connecting to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on equality, infrastructure, and sustainable communities.

   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The article discusses the implementation of innovative technological solutions (GoodMaps and Convo apps) to upgrade public transportation infrastructure (Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station). This aligns with SDG 9’s focus on fostering innovation and developing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure with equitable access for all. The collaboration with the Transit Tech Lab is a clear example of fostering innovation.

   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The core theme of the article is reducing the barriers faced by people with disabilities. By introducing apps for visually impaired customers and those who use American Sign Language (ASL), NJ Transit is actively working to “empower and promote the social… inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability,” which is the essence of SDG 10. The goal is to give these customers “greater confidence and independence.”

   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The initiative is centered on making public transit systems more accessible. This directly addresses the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities by ensuring that everyone, including persons with disabilities, has access to safe and accessible transport systems. The article states the apps “help make our busiest facilities more accessible to all customers.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the specific actions described in the article, the following SDG targets can be identified:

   Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

   • The introduction of the GoodMaps and Convo apps is a direct effort to improve the quality and equity of access to public transit infrastructure. The article emphasizes that these technologies make facilities “more accessible to all customers,” aligning with the target’s focus on equitable access.

   Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability…

   • The article details how the new apps empower specific groups. GoodMaps “empowers all visitors — including the visually impaired or individuals with disabilities — with precise, real-time navigation,” while Convo provides a “seamless communication” tool for ASL users. This promotes their inclusion and ability to travel with “greater confidence and independence.”

   Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… with special attention to the needs of… persons with disabilities…

   • This target is directly addressed. NJ Transit, a public transport provider, is implementing solutions specifically designed for “visually impaired customers and those who communicate using American Sign Language (ASL).” The entire initiative is a clear example of paying special attention to the needs of persons with disabilities to ensure they have access to transportation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not mention official SDG indicators or provide quantitative data. However, it implies several practical indicators that could be used to measure the success and progress of these initiatives.

   Implied Indicators for Progress

   • Availability of Accessibility Technologies in Public Transit Hubs: Progress could be measured by the number or proportion of major transit facilities, like Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station, that are equipped with these or similar accessibility technologies. The article notes the current implementation is at these specific locations, suggesting a potential for expansion which could be tracked.
   • Adoption and Usage Rates of the Apps: The number of downloads and active users of the GoodMaps and Convo apps by the target communities (visually impaired and ASL users) would be a direct indicator of the initiative’s effectiveness in improving accessibility.
   • Customer Satisfaction among Persons with Disabilities: Progress towards inclusion and accessibility can be measured through surveys or feedback mechanisms targeting users with disabilities. The article’s quote about empowering customers to “travel with greater confidence and independence” points to satisfaction and user experience as key measures of success.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Implied from the article)
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.	The number and percentage of public transit facilities upgraded with innovative accessibility technologies like GoodMaps and Convo.
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability…	Usage rates of the accessibility apps among target user groups; Customer satisfaction levels reported by persons with disabilities regarding their travel independence and confidence.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… with special attention to the needs of… persons with disabilities…	Proportion of the public transport system (e.g., major terminals) that provides specialized navigation and communication tools for persons with visual and hearing impairments.

Source: roi-nj.com