Travelling independently
Adjustments
A great starting point, but realising independent accessibility of rail transport for passengers with disabilities is a long-term affair. Adapting stations and platforms requires a lot of time and money. Staff must be trained to guide people and must be deployed in shifts. Guide lines are present at many stations, but destinations within the station (e.g. toilets or vending machines) are not always connected to them. Not to mention the vandalism that stations face.
Not a given
The naturalness and ease of moving or travelling does not always apply to people with disabilities. An inclusive society where truly everyone can participate requires well-designed public spaces and an accessible traffic and transport system. To achieve this, the then State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, and various governments and transport operators signed the ‘Administrative Agreement on Accessible Public Transport 2022-2032’ in November 2022.
Arnhem Station did not want to wait any longer
Cost savings
Arnhem Station (NL) did not want to wait any longer. Cost savings and the rapid introduction of the eZwayZ app prompted them to make it available for the station.
After scanning the building with all platforms and facilities, a 3D model was created using the so-called ‘point cloud’. In the eZwayZ cloud management module, all destinations, paths, obstacles (thresholds and stairs) and other Points of Interest (POIs) were added. Should anything change later, the manager of Arnhem Station can adjust it himself in the management module. After several tests with the target group, the app was implemented within a few weeks.
Finding your own way
Being able to travel independently on public transport is the nicest thing there is. Someone with a visual impairment enthusiastically said, “You operate an app like this yourself. You do it all by yourself. You don't have to ask for help, nobody has to walk with you. I will soon find my own way around a building I've never been to before.'“
Public Transport Module
Arnhem Station has also added the Public Transport module. This module provides up-to-date departure times of public transport and navigates the user to the correct bus stop. The scan thus included paths to bus stops.
Experience for yourself?
Scan or click on the QR code to download the app. And visit the Rijksmuseum, NEMO or the Media Museum in the Netherlands to experience the app for yourself. Or visit the AFAS Experience Center in Leusden.
