Councillors have praised the success of a pioneering scheme that assists visually impaired passengers in using local buses. A meeting of the Environment and Sustainability PDSP heard how West Lothian has become the first area in the country to implement NaviLens technology, which was introduced in December.
Pilot Project Details
A report to the committee stated: “Passenger Transport has piloted a project between West Lothian Council, Lothian Country, and Sight Scotland Veterans aimed at helping residents of the Linburn Centre access real-time public transport information to help them get to Livingston Shopping Centre and further afield using new NaviLens technology.” This initiative made West Lothian the first area in Scotland to use this cutting-edge technology to aid blind and partially sighted residents in accessing public transport.
West Lothian Council installed new NaviLens codes at bus stops in Wilkieston and at Livingston Bus Terminal, following engagement with Sight Scotland Veterans on how their community uses public transport. This engagement revealed that apps employing AI were key in helping users perform simple tasks, making daily life easier.
How NaviLens Works
NaviLens codes are similar to interactive colorful QR codes that blind or partially sighted users can scan with their smartphones. The codes provide real-time audio information about bus services and estimated arrival times. They can also offer details on local infrastructure and facilities, making navigation easier in public places.
Jason MacMillan, Assistive Technology Lead with Sight Scotland Veterans, explained: “They are colourful QR codes that not only give visually impaired travellers’ instant access to real time public transport information via their smartphones, but they also guide them to the bus stop within 20 metres, which can be extremely helpful. This is a major step toward making travel more inclusive and independent for the veterans who use our Linburn Centre and for visually impaired people across West Lothian. By working with West Lothian Council and Lothian Country, we are enabling our community to reach destinations like Livingston Shopping Centre and beyond with greater freedom.”
Positive Reception
At the scheme's launch in December, Calum Welsh, Information Infrastructure Manager at Lothian Country, said: “We were delighted to work with West Lothian Council and Sight Scotland Veterans to help introduce NaviLens codes to bus stops as part of this pilot scheme. Promoting accessible travel information is a key priority for us, and this project strengthens our commitment to enhancing the accessible customer experience across all aspects of our services.”
Councillor Alison Adamson told the meeting: “The Linburn story is fantastic news, and it is good to see that West Lothian is leading the field. So all in all, it's quite positive, so thank you very much.”
Further Digital Innovations
Passenger Transport officers in West Lothian have continued to explore opportunities for digital innovation and improved data analysis. They are using Power BI, a business data platform that allows easier visualization of data, to improve management information from contract management and financial management systems. This will enable the service to analyze trends in passenger demand, identify the most frequently used routes and stops, and better understand network usage.
The service is also starting to develop the use of mobile phone movement data through the Workforce Mobility project, to gain a better understanding of travel patterns, supporting transport planning, network development, and future service delivery considerations.
