BC Transit says it plans to install Trekker Breeze + automated voice annunciation device on every bus in the Victoria Regional Transit System starting this fall. 25 buses will be equipped with the devices in August for testing, and if all goes well, the remainder of buses will be outfitted with the device throughout September.
“This product supports the needs of our visually-impaired customers and our operators while also respecting taxpayers,” said Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit. “I thank the Canadian Federation of the Blind and Unifor 333 for working with us to find a cost effective product.”
“Members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind are very pleased that BC Transit is taking concrete steps to equip our buses with automated GPS stop annunciation devices,” said representative Oriano Belusic. “Five of us had an opportunity to test drive a demonstration bus that worked very well and with some fine tuning the new system will definitely make public transit more accessible for blind riders and many others.”
“This product will allow our operators to focus on safe driving while still providing good customer service,” said Ben Williams, President of Unifor Local 333.
“Trekker Breeze + provides a cost-effective, readily available and proven voice annunciation product that is used by visually-impaired persons around the world. The key benefits of this device are its simplicity, affordable price, reliability when used in moving vehicles, minimum amount of programming and low maintenance,” states the release.
