Smart technology to assist blind at Dubai metro stations launched on pilot basis

To serve the blind people of determination using Dubai Metro services, a smart technology has been launched on a pilot basis at the Rashidiya Metro Station by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Currently available only to iPhone users, the technology requires a pre-configuration of the phone with the path of People of Determination at the metro station, starting from the entry of the station and including the ticket vending machine, Nol card validation gates and finally the metro carriage. The step is the first of its kind in the region in assisting this category of metro riders.
"RTA has teamed up with a specialist technology company for the debut of this technology on a test run at Rashidiya Metro Station for a certain period. Then, RTA will study and analyse the results and their impact on riders of this category. The technology is currently available through iPhone devices only, as they are pre-configured to operate this technology. The phone has to be configured in advance with the path of the blind starting from the station entry point, ticketing machine, nol gates, lift, and platform and all the way up to the metro carriage," said Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of RTA's Rail Agency.
"This technology is offered along with a package of benefits to the People of Determination such as converting written information into voice information including the schedules information and directional signs for metro gates, stairs, escalators and station gates. The technology is compatible with the ground tactile marks. The app is easy to use, and in simple steps, it enables browsing all sections. The user can get the app content in a voice mode," added Younes.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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