Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Enabling Less Visually Impaired Commuters Not Technologically Savvy to Travel More Independently

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Transport with the rollout of the NaviLens app to help visually impaired commuters at SMRT's bus interchanges

a.     how will LTA better enable visually impaired commuters who are not technologically savvy to travel more independently, safely and conveniently; and

b.     what are the future improvement plans for bus stops and interchanges so that the visually impaired can be better at independently identifying arriving bus services.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) works with our public transport operators and social service agencies to improve the accessibility of our infrastructure and enhance navigation for commuters with diverse needs. Apart from the NaviLens trial led by SMRT, which uses an app to provide audio navigational information when activated, LTA has implemented other systems to help commuters with visual impairment. Since 2018, all new public buses have been fitted with the Passenger Information Display System that includes audio announcements to inform passengers about the next bus stop. Tactile ground surface indicators have also been installed at all train stations, and all new bus interchanges since 2014 to facilitate wayfinding. For existing bus interchanges, tactile ground surface indicators will be progressively implemented. In addition, LTA has installed Braille signages at railings at boarding areas of all new bus interchanges since 2019, and will progressively install Braille signages at other commuter facilities such as accessible washrooms for all new and existing bus interchanges.

2.     To complement the above measures, LTA and the Police Transport Council (PTC) have been working with public transport operators to promote a more inclusive and caring commuting culture in our public transport system through the Caring SG Commuters Committee. For example, through the Caring Commuter Champion initiative, we are growing a group of volunteers trained to assist commuters with mobility needs during their daily commute. The Committee will continue to work with relevant stakeholders such as schools and social service agencies to foster a more inclusive commuting experience.