- tech start-ups awarded new funding to kickstart innovative
projects that break down barriers faced by disabled passengers
- projects will improve communication between passengers and
staff, as well as mapping out accessible routes
Pioneering technologies including virtual reality simulations of
rail vehicles and stations and a journey planning app that
includes video calling for assistance are among winners of
government funding announced today (16 July 2021) to improve the
travel experience for disabled passengers.
The technologies developed by the 5 Accessibility Transport
Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG:
Accessibility) 2021 winners, announced today, will help break
down barriers faced by disabled passengers as we build back
fairer from coronavirus (COVID-19).
The TRIG:
Accessibility programme, in partnership with Connected Places Catapult
(CPC), is
focused on knocking down the barriers that disabled people face
when travelling, to help budding innovators and academics to
propel their ideas to market more quickly.
Winning projects include a system that fully navigates the user
from their front door to their destination, taking into account
any special requirements, and allowing passengers to video call
staff directly to provide support.
A highly realistic virtual reality simulation, immersing users in
rail stations and carriages, has also received funding, to help
improve staff understanding of the challenges faced by passengers
and build the confidence of disabled passengers when travelling
on the rail network.
Another project is focused on building a more reliable experience
for airport passengers needing assistance, providing an app to
improve communication with airport staff.
Accessibility Minister said:
These 5 innovative projects will help make our transport
network more open, stress-free and simple for disabled
passengers, and I’m proud that we’re investing in unique
technology to improve accessibility across the UK.
We’re committed to making transport accessible for all and this
investment, along with the Inclusive Transport
Strategy, will build a better, fairer network for the
future.
Winning firms will receive almost £600,000 to launch these
innovative projects and the trial period will be completed by the
end of November 2021, with working prototypes being showcased to
industry following this.
Nicola Yates OBE, CEO, Connected Places Catapult,
said:
It is great to be working alongside the Department for
Transport Accessibility Policy Team to deliver an expanded
TRIG
programme to the world of transport accessibility.
The funding that the 5 winners will receive as part of the
TRIG:
Accessibility programme, alongside technical and commercial
guidance from the Catapult, will enable them to demonstrate
their innovative solutions later this year.
It is our aim that these solutions will enable access to
England’s transport services for passengers who may need
support when travelling to connect with the places around them.
