AIRA app extended to 236 rail stations
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has extended the AIRA Explore guiding app to all its 236 rail stations to enhance accessibility, following its work with Sight Loss Councils (SLCs). You can now use the app for free at all Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink managed stations.
The AIRA Explore app allows blind and partially sighted (BPS) passengers to place a video call with a trained advisor who looks through the passenger’s smartphone camera to guide them around the station on speakerphone, simplifying the journey.
Members trialling AIRA app at Stevenage station
Until now, the app has been available at only 12 stations as part of a trial spearheaded by SLC volunteers.
SLC volunteer using her phone to test the AIRA app
Why is the AIRA app important?
Dave Smith, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, explained:
“It’s great that GTR has decided to roll out AIRA at all their 236 stations. It is important that everyone has access to travel on the train network, and this includes blind and partially sighted people.
“Having AIRA available could be enough to give someone the confidence to take the train knowing that they can arrive at a station and use AIRA to support them through the station and to a member of staff.
“Furthermore, passengers can use the app to navigate someone to a coffee or retail shop, the toilet or out to the bus stop for an onward journey, thus making the whole experience more equal to sighted passengers.”
GTR Accessibility Lead, Carl Martin, said:
“We want everyone to be able to use our services, regardless of their disability or need for assistance. This app helps blind and partially sighted people travel independently, whether to locate a staff member for assistance when they first arrive at the station or to simply find the ticket office or grab a coffee.
“Having successfully trialled this, we’re now making it freely available at all 236 managed stations. We’re really grateful to Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust for helping us introduce this.”
Using the AIRA app
Blind and partially sighted passengers can download Aira Explorer from the Apple Store or Google Play on their mobile devices.
Anyone using the app will receive a message when approaching the station confirming they can use it for free and without the usual five-minute limit. Additionally, the passenger then taps a button to connect with an agent who looks through their camera and guides them on speakerphone.
GTR covers the cost of using the AIRA app for passengers at its 236 managed stations, but data charges may apply depending on the customer’s mobile phone data plan.
For passengers without smartphones, a wide range of other options are available to gain assistance in using the railway. To learn more, visit the dedicated assistance pages on Southern, Thameslink, and Great Northern’s websites.
Publication date: 22 November 2024