Vision Australia has won an Inclusive Community Champions Award from Spinal Injuries Australia for their role in the go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass trial.
Using smartcard technology, the Travel Pass allowed over 40 participants, 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.
Vision Australia General Manager Queensland Karen Knight said that the trial is a great example of how accessibility challenges can be overcome.
“This technology has been successfully used in Victoria. To improve the travel experience for the blind and low vision community in Brisbane, in 2013, we approached the Queensland Government to trial the smartcard functionality,” said Karen.
“Following extensive negotiations with stakeholders, including commuters who are blind or have low vision, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, industry, and other organisations from our sector, a trial of the Travel Pass began in late 2014.”
The trial was welcomed by the blind and low vision community as a move in the right direction for improving the public transport travel experience.
“Being able to control when you can enter or exit a train station without assistance supports our community to retain their independence, and encourages greater public transport use,” confirmed Karen.
Brisbane resident and Vision Australia client, Caitlin McMorrow, who participated in the trial said that the Travel Pass allows her to travel the train network with more freedom.
“The Travel Pass creates equal access to public transport. My journeys are easier and I can travel without interruption,” said Caitlin.
Feedback from the trial is currently being reviewed by the Queensland Government.
“Our clients who have been involved in the trial have been very positive about the Travel Pass. We hope to see the Travel Pass become standard for members of our community in the future,” concluded Karen.