Understand
Aira navigation app for blind and partially sighted bus users expands to 13 Surrey hospitals
Overview
Surrey County Council has expanded its pilot of the Aira app, enabling blind and partially sighted individuals to travel independently using a trained visual interpreter to guide them to 13 hospitals across the county free of charge.
Key points
- The Aira app connects users with a trained visual interpreter via video call to help guide them around transport hubs and to nearby locations.
- The expanded scheme covers 13 hospitals in Surrey, including Royal Surrey County Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital, and Farnham Hospital.
- Surrey County Council stated the initiative aims to support people in travelling more confidently and independently.
- The Surrey Coalition of Disabled People praised the free service as hugely beneficial for members with sight loss.
- The council is also investing in other transport measures, including £6.3m for low and zero-emission minibuses and £1.4m for bus stop passenger information.