Transit Becomes More Inclusive and Comfortable with Ampetronic Innovations
Ampetronic's Auri System Enhances Accessibility at Bristol Temple Meads Station
The Auri system, a collaborative effort between Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, has been installed at Bristol Temple Meads Station in Bristol, England, marking its first public integration in a transport environment. This innovative system aims to make public transport more accessible and friendly for passengers with hearing loss and neurodivergent individuals.
Ampetronic installed 10 Auri transmitters throughout the station, covering high-traffic zones such as Platforms 9-12, the pedestrian subway area, and the Ticket Hall. These transmitters enable passengers in these areas with Auracast-enabled devices to access live audio broadcasts from the station's public address system.
The system's benefits are manifold. It supports passengers with hearing loss by providing clearer audio communication, aids neurodivergent individuals by offering a less overwhelming auditory environment, and assists passengers for whom English is not the first language by supporting clearer and more intelligible announcements.
Ampetronic performed live system testing to validate consistent coverage and performance across designated areas. The installation was selected by Connected Places Catapult as part of the Station Innovation Zone program, which aims to reduce barriers to innovation and serve as a showcase for rail technology innovators.
RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) has been commissioned to conduct in-depth user trials at Bristol Temple Meads Station to assess the efficacy of the Auri system. Early reactions from passengers who have tried the Auri system have been encouraging, indicating its potential to improve safety, passenger experience, and inclusivity in public transport environments.
Ampetronic is actively conducting trials to gather passenger feedback on the system's efficacy, the types of information it should broadcast, and how it can better integrate with existing transit technologies. Potential improvements being considered include enhancing interoperability, fine-tuning audio quality, broadening the range of information types, and optimising operational efficiencies.
Jonathon Hoskin, business development manager at Ampetronic, expressed eagerness for more passengers to experience Auri and find it helpful. The trials will evaluate the type of information the system should broadcast and what improvements could be made to access the technology.
In summary, the Auri system offers significant benefits for passengers with hearing loss and neurodivergent individuals in public transport environments by making transit more accessible and passenger-friendly. It provides clear, accessible audio information that enhances the commuting experience for people who find noisy environments challenging or who rely on assistive listening technologies. The system is designed to improve accessibility by delivering clear audio announcements, which helps passengers with hearing impairments better navigate stations and transit systems. It also benefits neurodivergent individuals by reducing confusion and stress associated with noisy and complex transit environments.
- The Auri system, a collaboration between Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, features in the business of enhancing accessibility and improving the passenger experience, particularly for individuals with hearing loss and neurodiversity, in the transportation industry.
- In the finance sector, Ampetronic is actively gathering feedback through trials to determine the types of information the Auri system should broadcast, as well as potential improvements to integrate with existing transit technologies.
- The Auri system, a significant technological innovation, showcases at Bristol Temple Meads Station events, aiming to reduce barriers to innovation in the rail industry and serve as a model for other public transport environments.
