Communication Systems
Overview
Project Background
Accessible real time passenger information and communication systems are very important for all travelers and they are especially important for those with sensory impairments that include hearing, speech, and vision, as well as people with cognitive impairments. Real time information and communication crosses all types of travel and includes air travel, passenger rail, over-the-road buses, and passenger ferries. Transportation terminals operate as the points of departure and arrival and accessible real time information and communication systems must be available for all travelers.
Accessible information is part of the complete travel chain, from travel planning and scheduling, to using public transportation, to accessing information in a terminal, communication at check-in and security, up to receiving safety and emergency information on board the vehicle. Wireless technologies present new opportunities for accessible passenger information and communication systems. There are two main challenges these include the lack of: adequate user interfaces with technologies, and of alternative formats in text and audio for passengers who are sensory impaired.
The research and development projects include the development of draft regulations that will include functional user and engineering requirements. Some of the technologies under consideration include: electronic passenger information displays used in terminals and on-board vehicles, wireless devices and personal handheld devices for use in terminals and vehicles.
For website accessibility, NCAT is working with information provided by the RERCs at the TRACE Center in Wisconsin to develop specific guidelines for transportation providers to insure that their websites for information and reservations are also accessible to sensory impaired travelers.
