RNIB React is a talking sign system.
It can either be used in a city or town centre setting to provide basic location based information, or can be used in conjunction with real time passenger information (RTI) display signs at bus stops.
Getting accurate and timely travel information when using public transport can be a huge challenge for people experiencing sight loss.
Brighton and Hove make bus stops talk
Brighton and Hove City Council wanted to ensure that the information on their bus stop display signs was available in audio as well as visual format. This is where RTI enabled RNIB React came into play. As with the standard location-based RNIB React this information is accessed through the use of an RNIB React trigger fob.
By using the RNIB React trigger fob the user gets audible announcements telling them which bus stop they are at. When they press a button on the fob they will also hear which buses are coming and when they are due to arrive.
First recognised exemplar in travel
We are delighted to announce that Brighton and Hove City Council are our first RNIB React related travel exemplar.
Brighton and Hove City Council instantly recognised the accessibility benefits of the system, and indeed led the way by being the first council to adopt an RNIB React enabled RTI system in the UK in 2007.
With the involvement of numerous parties, considerable development work was required to pull together the innovative technology to present a system that can give orientation information and up to date bus information in audio.
Following extensive user trials and feedback the installation was formally launched during August 2007 at 20 bus stops in Brighton and two in East Sussex
Are you doing a great job too?
"Many people with sight loss find travelling difficult, and flagship services like these - whether high-tech or low-tech - make an enormous difference to people's confidence and independence, and are well worth the investment.
"We want to celebrate more beacons of best practice, so let us know if services you use are deserving of beacon status."
Sarah Morley-Wilkins, Travel Stream Lead, RNIB.
Promotion is vital
Brighton and Hove Council are to be congratulated also for the resource and commitment put into promoting the installation of the RNIB React system to the local community.
Their methods of promotion included:
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the council website
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council newsletters
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press releases to local media
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articles in disability group newsletters
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transport related events.
Such was the positive response to the system that Brighton and Hove council were determined to expand the installation if possible, and managed to do this by securing some vital European funding.
As a result of this funding over the last year two years a further 20 bus stops in Brighton have been RNIB React enabled, taking the total to 42.
Demonstrate long term commitment
Brighton and Hove's commitment to the system is also evident in terms of their commitment to monitoring and maintaining the system.
Brighton and Hove City Council's management of the RNIB React system, and the benefits it has brought to those using their local bus services has been acknowledged by industry, and won them many transport awards.
They undoubtedly set a precedent, which since then many other councils have sought to follow, and now the network of RNIB React enabled bus stops throughout the country is ever growing.
Mick, a frequent user of RNIB React in Brighton states "I don't think I could do without it"
Contact details
If you would like to know more about the RNIB React system in Brighton:
Angela Currie, Traffic Control Team
Brighton and Hove City Council
Phone: 01273 292514
Email: angela.currie@brighton-hove.gov.uk
If you want to know about RNIB React or to tell us about a great transport service:
RNIB Innovation and Development
Phone: 01733 37 53 45
Email: busdev@rnib.org.uk