Listening Session | Accessibility at the MBTA: Improving the Experience for Riders Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision (Virtual)

Event Description

Over the last decade, the MBTA has made significant progress on improving accessibility for riders who are blind or have low vision. Some of these improvements include more reliable stop announcements, updated employee trainings, and a more accessible MBTA.com. Since we know there is still much work to be done and because our riders are our most valuable resource, we want to hear from you about your experiences on the fixed-route system (bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and ferry).

Learn more about accessibility on the MBTA

Join Us and Be Heard

R-TAG and the MBTA Department of System-Wide Accessibility are pleased to present a series of listening sessions, with the first session focused on issues impacting blind or low-vision riders. Share your thoughts on topics such as wayfinding barriers, new/existing assistive technology, vehicle features, staff interactions, and other aspects of your experience on the MBTA. In addition, participants will:

• Hear about current priorities from Customer Engagement Coordinator for the Department of System-Wide Accessibility Jennifer Ross
• Learn about new wayfinding technology research and initiatives from Project Manager for Accessible Technology Meg Collins. Current project explorations include:
  • Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to help blind/low-vision riders locate their bus stop with confidence
  • Indoor wayfinding technology to help blind/low-vision riders find their way in an MBTA station
• Receive updates regarding stop announcement upgrades for enhanced wayfinding from Director of Transit Technology Logan Nash
• Have the opportunity to discuss future improvements for blind or low-vision riders

As always, feedback from our riders is critical and will help us set our priorities going forward. We look forward to having you join us!

Note: this session will not cover issues related to THE RIDE.

Join the Virtual Meeting

The meeting will be held over Zoom. You can join by computer, smartphone app, or telephone.

After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

Agenda

1. Welcome and Zoom Directions

2. Welcome

• R-TAG Executive Board Member Nora Nagle

3. Setting Priorities and Areas of Focus

• Customer Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Ross

4. Customer Technology Updates

• Accessible Technology Project Manager Meg Collins

5. Real Time Tracking

• Director of Transit Technology Logan Nash

6. Feedback Session

Accommodations

If you need additional accommodations, please email SWA@mbta.com or call 617-222-5254 at least one week before the event.