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Moovit, Aira and Microsoft partner to improve blind/low vision passenger accessibility

Posted: 21 November 2019 |

The partnership aims to challenge obstacles that blind/low vision passengers face when using public transport by connecting them with trained professionals for assistance.

Moovit, Aira and Microsoft partner to improve blind/low vision passenger accessibility

MoovitMicrosoft’s Azure Maps and remote assistance app Aira have announced a joint partnership that aims to make public transit more accessible for Aira’s users around the globe.

Many blind and/or low vision riders are said to find using public transport difficult, and the partnership aims to challenge these obstacles and make public transit more accessible and inclusive, allowing blind and low vision riders to travel with more confidence. 

Through its mobile app or smart glasses, Aira connects users to trained professionals, called Aira agents, who can see a users’ environment through their smartphone camera. This enables agents to describe objects, read signage and take and label photos, using real-time data and information.

“The belief that mobility is a basic human right for everyone is the motivation behind this partnership,” said Yovav Meydad, Moovit’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer. “Together, with Aira and Microsoft, we are aiming to make public transit more accessible and inclusive to blind and low vision riders. This will open opportunities for riders to travel more freely and independently, significantly impacting their life.”

“We are excited to start this partnership with Moovit and Microsoft Azure Maps, and we aim to work together for a long time,” said Mike Randall, Aira’s CEO. “We’re perfectly aligned in our mission to make communities smarter and transit more inclusive.” 

“In Azure Maps, we invested significant time and resources to define accessibility requirements, implementing capabilities for those with needs and pushing ourselves to service this segment of users,” said Chris Pendleton, Head of Azure Maps, Microsoft.