Removing functional barriers: Public transit and the blind and vision impaired

We surveyed 55 blind and vision impaired bus riders in Santa Barbara, California to analyze their use of the local bus system and identify their frustrations, concerns and desires when using a mass transit system. The most important finding was that they needed better access to INFORMATION. We asked question on what kind of technology they would like to use to better access this information. The study revealed the benefits to be gained by using auditory signage to provide information to identify busses and trains, locate and safely cross streets and find and use terminal resources. We conclude this report with an examination of the benefits of using auditory signs