New York City’s bustling subway system is a lifeline for millions of commuters, but for those with vision loss, navigating its complex corridors and stations can be a daunting challenge. Recognizing this need, researchers at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and Grossman School of Medicine have developed an innovative app called Commute Booster.
What is Commute Booster and how does it work?
Commute Booster is a smartphone app to aid individuals with vision loss in navigating the New York City subway system. It combines general transit feed specification (GTFS), a standardized and publicly available database about public transportation routes, with optical character recognition (OCR) to interpret signs and guide the user accordingly. “By integrating these two components, Commute Booster provides real-time feedback to users regarding the presence or absence of relevant navigation signs within the field of view of their phone camera during their journey,” an NYU press release published reads.
What problem does Commute Booster address for visually impaired commuters?
The app addresses the challenges faced during the “middle mile” of a subway journey, where users traverse complex underground networks and platforms. By focusing on this critical phase of the journey, Commute Booster fills a gap left by existing navigation apps that primarily cater to the “first” and “last” miles.
How successful has Commute Booster been in preliminary tests?
In a study conducted at three NYC subway stations, namely Jay Street-Metrotech, Dekalb Avenue, and Canal Street, Commute Booster demonstrated an impressive 97 percent success rate in identifying relevant signs crucial for reaching a predetermined destination. The app’s ability to interpret signs from varying distances and angles showcased its potential efficacy.
What are the next steps for Commute Booster’s development and deployment?
The researchers are planning a human subject study to evaluate Commute Booster’s performance in real-world navigation scenarios. Following this, the aim is to make the app available for public use in the near future. Despite its current reliance on holding up smartphones, the app’s potential for integration with augmented reality (AR) smartglasses is also being considered.
Commute Booster significantly enhances the independence and confidence of visually impaired individuals while using public transportation. By providing real-time guidance and simplifying the navigation process, the app empowers users to confidently travel through the subway system, opening up opportunities and ensuring a safer commuting experience.
The development of Commute Booster marks a crucial step towards inclusivity and accessibility in public transportation. By harnessing the power of technology, researchers at NYU have created an innovative solution that bridges the gap in existing navigation apps, catering specifically to the needs of blind and partially sighted individuals during the intricate “middle mile” of subway journeys. With promising test results and plans for further improvement, Commute Booster has the potential to transform the daily commute for countless individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind in the bustling and vibrant city of New York.
