NaviLens system revolutionizes public transport for visually impaired with 40,000 reads monthly

Barcelona's public transport network has seen huge uptake in the use of its NaviLens accessibility system, now recording approximately 40,000 monthly reads across its bus and metro networks.

This innovative system, which has been installed over 9,800 labels – with 4,600 on buses and 5,200 in the metro – is designed primarily to enhance accessibility for people with visual impairments, though it can benefit any user with real-time information on the transport links at that particular stop.

NaviLens functions using codes similar to QR codes, but with differences and advantages. They can be read by a user's phone from a much greater distance than QR codes, functioning from up to 15-20 meters, and even while the user is in motion.

The information provided is then accessible both visually on screen and audibly via voice. Xavier Peradalta Tort, Accessibility Manager at Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), describes it as "a talking sign."

The system was initially conceived to provide guidance information for visually impaired people.

When people go for a bus, the app directs the users towards the bus stop, indicating direction and distance.

For metro users, it offers audio guidance in the language the user has their phone set to, to the desired destination, describing the surrounding environment, such as where ticket machines or turnstiles are located, and guides them through the station.

Beyond guidance, NaviLens offers real-time service information for buses and metros, train occupancy levels, operational status of elevators, and any network incident alerts.

Users can access NaviLens information through its dedicated applications, NaviLens or NaviLens Go, or via the integrated reader within the TMB App.

TMB was the first transport operator worldwide to implement NaviLens, starting with a pilot project in February 2018, which has since been expanded across the transport network.

Peradalta explains to Catalan News that TMB has noted a significant spike in NaviLens usage during holiday periods. This increase is attributed not only to higher overall public transport usage, but also to foreign visitors and tourists who may already be familiar with the system.