The Future of Accessible Travel: AI and British Sign Language Transform the Rail Experience for Deaf Passengers
Signapse
Public transport is something most people rely on without a second thought, but for the Deaf community, navigating train stations can be incredibly stressful. Missed announcements, unclear visual information, and constant uncertainty create barriers that many of us don’t even notice. For years, Deaf passengers have had to rely on fragmented information, often feeling left behind in the rush of station life.
On September 10th, we took a significant step towards changing that with the launch of our First of a Kind mobile technology, in partnership with South Western Railway (SWR), Whoosh Media, and Network Rail. This groundbreaking AI-driven solution promises to transform the travel experience for Deaf passengers by giving them instant access to real-time travel information in British Sign Language (BSL). This isn’t just another tech upgrade—it’s a game-changer for accessibility, and we’re only just getting started.
The Reality for Deaf Passengers
Imagine being in a crowded station, a crucial announcement comes over the speakers, but you can’t hear it. You might be at the wrong platform, on the wrong train, or worse, miss critical safety information. This is the reality for many Deaf passengers who rely heavily on BSL. Unlike text, sign language is a native language for many Deaf individuals, so written English is often not enough.
At the heart of this problem is the lack of real-time, accessible information in sign language. Traditional solutions like subtitles and visual displays often don’t go far enough to bridge this gap. Enter our first of a kind mobile technology, designed to put the power of communication back into the hands of Deaf passengers.
Introducing the BSL Buddy: Your ‘Interpreter in Your Pocket’
Developed in collaboration with Signapse, this technology is the first in the UK to deliver real-time rail information to Deaf passengers directly on their mobile phones, via a photorealistic AI signer. This AI-powered solution, affectionately dubbed the “BSL Buddy” or “Interpreter in Your Pocket,” translates any written English information into BSL, offering Deaf passengers real-time updates on everything from platform changes to emergency announcements.
The technology is being trialed on SWR routes between Basingstoke, London, Salisbury, and Exeter, with plans to expand the trial to other routes soon. The QR code-based system allows passengers to scan and instantly receive up-to-date information in BSL on their smartphones. Imagine boarding a train and having the peace of mind that any crucial announcement will reach you, in your language, in real time.
A Successful Launch at Waterloo Station
Our launch event at Waterloo Station was a momentous day for all involved. It was more than just the unveiling of a new piece of tech; it was a step towards making travel more inclusive for everyone. Attendees included key stakeholders from the tech, transport, and accessibility sectors, as well as Deaf actress Sophie Woolley, known for her role in Bridgerton.
Sophie shared her personal experience navigating public transport as a Deaf passenger: “Often I feel like I’m the only Deaf person in a space, and I miss crucial information. This new technology feels like being upgraded to first class—I finally feel welcome in public spaces.”
Hearing her say that was a powerful reminder of why this project is so important. This isn’t just about tech innovation—it’s about providing equal access, making travel less stressful, and ensuring that no one feels left out.
Breaking Barriers, One Journey at a Time
The launch of our first of a kind mobile technology is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a step towards leveling the playing field for Deaf passengers. By leveraging the power of AI and British Sign Language, we’re breaking down the barriers that have stood in the way of equal access for too long.
But this is just the beginning. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore how technology can reshape public transport, making it more inclusive and accessible for all. Let’s break barriers, one journey at a time.
Download our whitepaper
Alongside the launch, we released our whitepaper titled, “Invisible Barriers: Unveiling the Challenges Faced by Deaf Commuters in Train Stations”. This in-depth research highlights the struggles Deaf passengers face daily and underscores the need for real-time, BSL-based information in public transport.
For anyone interested in understanding the broader challenges and opportunities surrounding accessibility, the whitepaper offers a compelling look at why AI-driven solutions like ours are essential.
