Imagine not being able to independently and confidently locate a bus stop. That was the case for customers who are blind or partially sighted — until now.

We’ve completed installing braille signage on every bus stop in Metro Vancouver, becoming the first transit system in Canada to do so. In total, there are more than 8,400 bus stops across the region.

These improvements will greatly enhance accessibility for customers who are blind or partially sighted, by letting them know which stop they are at, and which buses they are waiting for. Each braille and tactile bus stop sign contains:

• Information written in both Unified English Braille and raised tactile letters
• Bus stop ID numbers
• Bus routes serving that bus stop
• Bay or bus stop indicators
• Customer Information phone number

In addition to the braille and tactile signage, tactile walking surface indicators have been installed at every bus stop located on property that TransLink owns. These raised surface indicators are mounted on the ground to help customers who are blind or partially sighted know they are near a bus stop while helping direct them to the front door of the bus.

“A great transit system is one that’s accessible for everyone,” says Kevin Quinn, TransLink’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to have worked with our partners to be the first to deliver braille signage and tactile walking surface indicators to help all our customers get to their destination.”

These changes are the result of robust engagement with Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, the CNIB, and other stakeholders in the region.

“Our goal is to ensure people get to where they need to go, when they need to go –– and braille is essential for many people who are blind or have low vision,” says Shoko Kitano, Executive Director, British Columbia/Yukon, CNIB.

“As we continue to champion safe and accessible journeys for all, TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee (UAC), Metro Vancouver’s municipalities and Access for Sight Impaired Consumers (ASIC), an independent, consumer-driven advocacy coalition, have been instrumental in making transportation more accessible for our community.”