Depending on the location, there are many features and tools that make transportation more usable for blind people. While in most countries, there is legislation to make all aspects of transportation accessible, the reality is different. However, it has to be noted that over the years transportation is becoming more usable. Just like in several other posts, we are not going to cover all scenarios, only the most frequently encountered ones.
Buses
When taking a bus, several challenges need to be negotiated to get from one place to the other.
- Finding the bus stop
- Identifying the correct bus
- Paying the bus fare
- Finding a seat
- Getting off at the right stop
The following mostly applies to local bus services, some differences apply in long-distance bus travel, which may have more similarities to using the train.
Finding the Bus Stop
Generally, it is helpful to plan the trip and have a good idea of where one can get on the bus. Some navigation applications indicate bus stops, thus one get to the relative proximity. If it is not indicated, it is most helpful to ask someone or call the bus company for further information. When approaching the stop, one can look for poles or bus shelters. In some countries, bus stops are marked visually and with tactile surfaces that one can feel with the shoes. The tactile marks are usually at the edge of the curb, but the location and shape of poles and shelters may vary.
It is more complicated when the bus stop doesn’t exist, the driver stops when someone is waiting, and usually, people wave to the driver. Chances are that drivers will stop when they see a blind person waiting, otherwise one can wave to the approaching bus, hoping that it is the right one.
Identifying the Correct Bus
It can often happen that several different buses use the same stop, where it is relevant to know the number or the direction of the bus. In an ideal situation, buses stop at their designated stops, and the number of the bus is announced either from a recording or by the bus driver. However, when this does not happen, one can ask the driver. Some larger cities also distribute devices to blind people, which for the press of a button announce the number of the bus. Generally, these devices can be requested by residents.
Paying the Bus Fare
In an ideal case, we have a bus pass that we can just show the driver when boarding the bus. In other cases, tickets have to be bought in advance, or on the bus from the driver. When buying a ticket on the bus, it is helpful to know in advance how much it costs. The money is either handed to the driver or can be inserted into a slot. In other cases, one can use a prepaid card that has to be touched to a sensor. The varieties are endless. There are countries where local public transportation is free of charge for blind people, and though it requires some kind of a pass to show proof of blindness, generally drivers don’t ask for it when it is obvious that someone is blind. Yes, good thinking, some people pretend to be blind, not that it is ethical.
Finding a Seat
There are different approaches about whether blind people should be entitled to seats. Some people feel that they should not have any preference over others, others feel safer if they can have a seat. The advantage of sitting is when the bus needs to stop abruptly, it is less likely to have an accident, however holding a bar maybe equally sufficient. The downside of sitting is that a blind person will not know if there is somebody on the bus who is in an even bigger need of a seat, for example elderly people, pregnant women, people with bags or crutches. One can hope that there is always someone who will be able to offer a seat to those in need, though it doesn’t help much if a class of blind people is taking a trip.
At many places, traditionally the first row is generally reserved for people who need a seat. One can always ask the driver, or other passengers if a seat is available.
Getting Off at the Right Stop
It is helpful to know approximately how far is the desired stop. In an ideal case, each stop is announced either by recording or by the driver a few seconds in advance, or even when leaving the previous stop. When this is not the case, one can ask the driver to announce the stop we want to get off. The problem can sometimes be when the stop is too far and the driver forgets it. This is when it is helpful to know approximately how far we are traveling, and remind the driver with a question if we are still far. Another solution can be to use a navigation app which will announce when we are approaching a stop.
Trains
Trains are in many ways similar to buses, though there are several notable differences. One difference is that train travel is generally more structured and more reliable from an accessibility point of view.
Navigation systems are more likely to indicate the location of train stations, however, finding a particular train, especially at larger stations can be more challenging. Some stations have tactile maps, but it is only useful when we know where to look for them. Generally, when using a train, it is more important to have an understanding of the station or to ask for help. Often employees are available to offer assistance.
Train stations are also more likely to have tactile marks to let us know that we are approaching the rails, and also tactile paths to help us get oriented throughout the station. These are also more useful with some familiarity of the station. The tactile marks also make the station safer, especially when the rails are lowered, this way people can avoid accidentally falling into the hole. However, with the proper use of white cane or guide dogs, the chances are low that it would happen.
At many stations, there are ticket machines, which can be easily used if they are speech-enabled. Otherwise, it may be easier to buy the tickets online, assuming that the website is accessible and works well with screen readers.
Finding a seat is similar to how it is done on the bus, however, when the ticket is a particular seat then it is best to ask someone on the train to help locate it. In order to know which is our seat, it is best to arrive prepared. When buying the ticket online, it will most likely indicate the seat which can be read with a screen reader. When buying the ticket at the counter, it is a good idea to ask for the seat number.
Techniques used on the bus can be useful to identify the stop where we want to get off. Since trains tend to have longer stops, it can be easier to identify the right one.
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