Throughout their transit journey, travelers with full vision can easily use visual information in the form of digital content, maps, and signs to find their way. However, this information is often not usable by people who are blind or have low vision (B/LV) who may use public transit alone or in combination with other modes of transportation. Therefore, it is crucial for transit agency leaders and staff to thoughtfully design and provide accurate, timely, and usable information in ways that passengers with vision disabilities can use to successfully take transit trips. It is also critical for transit agencies to understand that information equivalency is not only a good practice; it is required by federal law.

TCRP Research Report 264: Providing Passenger Information to People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision: A Guide, produced by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program, provides transit agencies and their local partners with up-to-date guidance to help make passenger information accessible to people who are B/LV. The guide provides foundational information on B/LV, including the spectrum and prevalence of vision disabilities, beneficial tools and training, and the concept of the complete trip. It also addresses accessibility requirements and standards, as well as strategies for providing accessible passenger information through multiple channels, including digital resources and staff. Tools are provided to help transit agencies evaluate the accessibility of their current passenger information and identify opportunities for improvement. The guide and tools are not officially adopted standards and do not have the force of law or official policy. Throughout the report, B/LV refers to vision issues, up to and including full blindness, that make everyday activities difficult and cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts, medicine, surgery, or other standard treatments.

Infrastructure Assets: Transit Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Performance Based Planning & Programming