Surrey County Council has become the first local authority in the UK to introduce a new app designed to help blind and partially sighted passengers navigate bus stations more easily.
The Aira Explorer app enables users to connect via a live video call to a trained visual interpreter, who can guide them in real time using the smartphone’s camera. The service is now available at bus stations in Guildford, Redhill, Staines and Woking.
At these locations, the app can be used free of charge, funded by the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Fund. As well as helping passengers find their bus, interpreters can assist with reading timetables, directing users to staff, or guiding them into nearby town centres.
The initiative has been launched as part of Better Transport Week (16–22 June), which highlights how improved transport can better connect communities.
The project has been developed in partnership with organisations including Govia Thameslink Railway, Sight for Surrey, the Sussex Sight Loss Council and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, building on similar support already available across parts of the rail network.
This trial forms part of wider investment in Surrey’s bus services aimed at improving accessibility, reliability and sustainability for all passengers.
More information is available on the Surrey County Council website.