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A braille sticker at one of the TMB bus stops, Source: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona / Pep Herrero

Barcelona public transport tests strategically placed braille signage

Barcelona public transport tests strategically placed braille signage

Ongoing efforts to expand the inclusion of visually impaired passengers

TMB, the Barcelona public transit authority, has launched a new chapter in its efforts to provide more functional autonomy and inclusion for its visually impaired customers. The latest action involves placing high relief stickers with braille signage indicating useful information for the users.

These wear-resistant stickers are placed as a pilot test in order to study their effectiveness. Some of them are located on the handrails leading to the lobbies and platforms of two metro stations, Rocafort (L1) and Universitat (L1-L2).

Others are placed at selected bus stops of various formats (canopy, pole, solar pole). The bus stops in question are Plaça Espanya - FGC, Gran Via - Llançà and Plaça dels Països Catalans - Sants Station. The braille signage includes the stop code and name, stops, and destination.

Social inclusivity in public transport

Barcelona commuters with visual impairments can already rely on several tools in the TMB network, such as tactile routes, loudspeakers at stations and on trains, braille and high-relief on the buttons on elevators and vending machines with a voice navigation system, and scannable signage with NaviLens tags. 

These smart tags are also available at bus stops, as is the radio beacon guidance system. In addition, in the vehicles, there are also Braille signs and audible notices for the next stop.

However, the authorities want to do more in order to expand the inclusion of visually impaired users, so that they can achieve complete autonomy when using the public transit facilities in the Catalonian capital.

The pilot test planners have sought the opinion of visually impaired people’s associations in order to maximize the usefulness and characteristics of the stickers. In addition to making sure that the vinyl material they are made of is resistant to cleaning tasks and other sources of wear.

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