Murcia city buses are the first in Spain to be accessible to blind and visually impaired people

A new system of digital markers in the Spanish city of Murcia makes it easier for visually impaired people to locate bus stops. Users can also receive information on their smartphone about the crossing times of the lines at the desired stop. The signage and mobile App system have been applied to guarantee accessibility to public transport for visually impaired people.

According to the city council of Murcia, this is the first fleet of urban buses in Spain to use the system. Colour coded signs similar to bar codes or QR codes are installed at bus stops and on the buses, themselves. Travellers use their smartphone to find out which direction they should go and determine the location/distance to their desired stop. Users can also find out whether there are any disruptions in real time - and which alternative connection to use to reach their final destination. Two mobile Apps have been designed: "Navilens", specifically designed for visually impaired travellers, and "ddtagsGO", for all other users.

Any resident or visitor in Murcia can take advantage of this service, as the information is provided in the language in which the user has configured his own device. This system is already available on tramways since last June, so that all urban transport in Murcia is accessible to people with severe vision problems.

Source: Story first published by La Verdad in February 2019