In Singapore, public transport is about connecting people to places safely and efficiently. The Land Transport Authority works with the leading transport operators to make sure all commuters, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and family’s traveling with young children, can use public transport to get around more independently. In this continual effort to make the public transport network more inclusive and accessible for all commuters, SMRT Buses has officially launched the NaviLens app to aid visually impaired commuters.
What is NaviLens?
NaviLens is the first-in-Asia app for visually impaired people to travel with greater confidence. Right now, the app has been launched for navigation at the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (WITH). By the end of 2022, NaviLens will be rolled out across all SMRT-operated bus interchanges.
NaviLens technology is based on image recognition using augmented QR codes that provide voice guidance for visually impaired passengers.
The user’s smartphone app captures the QR codes at considerable distances and wide angles. Once the QR codes are scanned, users can hear the app’s voice assistant and continue their journey.
NaviLens technology can also meet the mobility needs of other commuters like tourists hampered by language barriers, or people unfamiliar with the area.
When Did SMRT Buses Launch the NaviLens App
SMRT first trialed the app in June 2021 in some areas of WITH. The bus operator then collaborated with two social service agencies, the Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) to fine-tune the user accessibility of the NaviLens app.
Features of the SMRT’s NaviLens App
• Designed in Spain, the NaviLens app is activated when a user’s mobile phone camera scans a coloured marker tag called the ddtag.
• The app in the user’s phone reads out to the user information such as general direction and current location.
• The app can capture the tags from a distance up to 12m at many different angles and lighting conditions.
Commenting on the NaviLens app, Mr. Vincent Gay, Deputy Head of SMRT Buses, said: “It is important that all commuters in Singapore, whatever their needs, can travel in the public transport network with assurance. Along with the inclusive service delivery training of all our frontline staff, the implementation of the NaviLens app is a key part of how we would like to make our bus services even more inclusive.”
Commenting on the inclusivity efforts by SMRT Corporation, Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman said: “To better assist commuters with special needs, frontline staff receive training on inclusive service delivery conducted by partners such as Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).”
SMRT Chairman further added: “As we aim to make our rail system an inclusive one, we have added Go-To Dementia points at17 MRT stations and five bus interchanges.”
Neo Kian Hong, the SMRT CEO, said: “Keeping Singapore moving is more than just providing safe and reliable trains and buses. It is about developing an ecosystem of connected services from home to destination for all types of commuters.”
Conclusion
SMRT aims to build an inclusive public transport system for all commuters in Singapore. The bus operator will continue collaborating with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped to further develop the NaviLens app.
