So what problems does a person with a visual impairment encounter when travelling by bus? The variety of stops, routes and destinations, for a start, all of which are particularly common at transport hubs and can be a challenge even for sighted passengers. Which bus is currently pulling into the stop? Where are the entrances to the vehicle? When do I have to get off and where is the stop button? At best, there is an audible on-board announcement of upcoming stops; at worst, there is just a visual display - and these may not necessarily be correct due to last-minute diversions and timetable changes. Everything that many passengers take for granted when travelling by bus can be problematic for blind and visually impaired people.

The INTROS development team worked closely with the SBV to identify the specific needs of blind people on public transport, and the most pressing issues. Michael Lingk, Product Manager at Trapeze, says: "As the representative of visually impaired and blind passengers, the SBV approached Trapeze Switzerland in 2018 to assist with the development of a regionally scalable solution. Pupils from the Zugerland School for the Blind were involved in the first pilot project to ensure feasibilty of the solution, along with computer scientists from the SBV's Technology and Innovation department. In short, the app was developed by those affected for those affected."

The system is based on an on-board module connected to the vehicle's computer via an interface, alongside a smarthphone app that can communicate with the on-board module using Bluetooth Low Energy. The focus is always on enabling passengers to plan and start their journey as independently as possible, and without the need for third-party assistance.

Before travelling, passengers can use the app to access timetables and plan their route, with the system automatically identifying the stop closest to their current location. If the passenger is already at the stop, the system recognises this and displays the local timetable. When the desired vehicle arrives, the app informs the user and guides them to the correct boarding point.

An important component of INTROS is real-time communication with the vehicle's on-board computer and, therefore, direct interaction. For example, through the app, users can tell the driver that they need more time to get on or off the vehicle, and at which stop they wish to alight. Acoustic signals on board and a hands-free system help further simplify the process.

Other user groups could also benefit from the service, for example senior citizens and those unable to use conventional passenger information due to a literacy issues or learning difficulties.

Saarbahn is implementing the project, which is based on successful cooperation between all parties involved, across its entire bus fleet. With 28 trains and 138 buses, the company transports around 40 million people a year in the state capital of Saarbrücken and the surrounding region.

Says IT-TRANS Senior Product Manager Markus Kocea: "At Messe Karlsruhe, we engage in intensive dialogue on the topic of accessibility, especially through our in-house trade fair REHAB. What we have learned time and time again is that appropriate offers are well received when they enable people to cope with everyday life largely independently. This also includes travelling safely from A to B without having to rely on the help of others, thanks to reliable and well thought-out technology. We are delighted that Trapeze will be presenting the innovative INTROS system at the upcoming IT-TRANS from 14 to 16 May 2024."