TTC piloting two new accessibility technologies

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is piloting two new accessibility technologies across the system.

The first, a subway-style, rear-door exit chime on new hybrid-electric buses, gives customers who experience low vision an audible cue that doors are about to close. The second pilot is the Contactless Access™ elevator app at select subway stations, which allows customers to control elevators at certain stations, providing a quick, sanitary and touch-free experience.

Customers will hear a three-tone rear-door exit chime on select buses, similar to the chime heard on subways. This sound will be embedded in all New Flyer hybrid-electric buses, purchased as part of the TTC’s transition to a zero-emissions fleet. The TTC has begun taking deliveries of the New Flyer hybrid-electric buses and they will operate out of the TTC’s Mount Dennis Division, serving customers in North York.

After testing the effectiveness and performance of the rear-door exit chime system, the TTC expects to make it a standard feature on all future new vehicles in its bus fleet.

The Contactless Access elevator app pilot project allows customers to use their smartphone to control elevators, providing a touch-free experience, especially for customers with disabilities, seniors and those who may be carrying large objects or pushing strollers.

Stations included in the pilot project are Finch, Kennedy, Kipling, Union and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations. Customers will need to download the free Contactless Access app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. They can also scan the QR code posted at any of the elevators included in the pilot.

The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to allow wireless control of elevator buttons from up to 10 feet away and does not require customers to be connected to Wi-Fi or a data network to use the app. No personal data will be collected or stored by the app. Use of the app is optional, and customers can also continue to use the existing buttons to control elevators included in the project.

The pilots will run until Sept. 30.