The Queensland Government today launched the three-month trial of the new go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass. The pass allows commuters who are blind or have low vision to open the fare gates at train stations throughout South East Queensland, without the assistance of a station attendant.
With the proven success of this technology in Victoria, Vision Australia advocated the government on behalf of people who are blind or have low vision, to adopt the smartcard functionality.
Vision Australia General Manager Queensland and Northern Territory Karen Knight said that the trial adds momentum to this year’s theme for International Day of People with Disability – using technology to break down barriers for people with disability.
“The trial is another step in the right direction for improving the travel experience for public transport users who are blind or have low vision,” said Karen.
“Being able to control when you can enter or exit a train station without assistance helps the blind and low vision community retain their independence, and encourages greater public transport use.”
Brisbane resident, Sarah Boulton, one of 19 Vision Australia clients participating in the trial said that the pass will allow her to travel on the train network with more freedom.
“Queensland Rail staff do a great job of assisting me during my journey, including opening the fare gate. However at peak commuting times, they may be busy or helping other commuters,” said Sarah.
“This means that I have to wait at the fare gate until an attendant becomes available. With the new pass I will no longer have to wait for someone to open the gate and I can continue on my journey uninterrupted.”
The trial of the new pass finishes on 3 March 2015. Feedback collected from trial participants, including Vision Australia clients, will be reviewed as part of the evaluation process of the pass.
Media contact: Vanessa Sandhu, Communications Advisor, 0422 302 790.
With the proven success of this technology in Victoria, Vision Australia advocated the government on behalf of people who are blind or have low vision, to adopt the smartcard functionality.Vision Australia General Manager Queensland and Northern Territory Karen Knight said that the trial adds momentum to this year’s theme for International Day of People with Disability – using technology to break down barriers for people with disability.
“The trial is another step in the right direction for improving the travel experience for public transport users who are blind or have low vision,” said Karen.
“Being able to control when you can enter or exit a train station without assistance helps the blind and low vision community retain their independence, and encourages greater public transport use.”
Brisbane resident, Sarah Boulton, one of 19 Vision Australia clients participating in the trial said that the pass will allow her to travel on the train network with more freedom.
“Queensland Rail staff do a great job of assisting me during my journey, including opening the fare gate. However at peak commuting times, they may be busy or helping other commuters,” said Sarah.
“This means that I have to wait at the fare gate until an attendant becomes available. With the new pass I will no longer have to wait for someone to open the gate and I can continue on my journey uninterrupted.”
The trial of the new pass finishes on 3 March 2015. Feedback collected from trial participants, including Vision Australia clients, will be reviewed as part of the evaluation process of the pass.
Media contact: Vanessa Sandhu, Communications Advisor, 0422 302 790.