Transit Becomes More Accessible and Pleasant for Passengers Through Ampetronic Innovations
At Bristol Temple Meads Station in Bristol, England, passengers with hearing loss and neurodivergent individuals are now experiencing improved accessibility and a better overall passenger experience, thanks to the installation of the Auri audio broadcast system. This pioneering initiative, which is the world’s first complete Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system deployed in a transport environment, is part of the Station Innovation Zone program run by Connected Places Catapult [1][3].
The Auri system, installed by Ampetronic, aims to provide direct, clear, and accessible live audio broadcasts via Auracast-enabled devices such as hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and smartphones. This includes safety announcements, service updates, and travel information, making it easier for passengers to receive crucial information in noisy or crowded environments [1][3].
Ten Auri transmitters have been installed to cover high-traffic zones, including Platforms 9-12, the pedestrian subway, and the Ticket Hall, ensuring consistent audio coverage where passenger flow is highest [1][2][3][4]. This practical solution provides better accessibility over traditional hearing loops, which can be difficult to implement in a complex station environment [4].
The Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station offers real-time live audio access, tailoring announcements to a passenger’s location in the station. This clear communication reduces anxiety and improves situational awareness for neurodivergent people and those with hearing impairments [1][3].
Jonathon Hoskin, business development manager at Ampetronic, emphasized the importance of assessment in the Auri project. He stated that feedback and insights gathered during the trial can help improve accessibility and the passenger experience [6]. Hoskin expressed eagerness for more passengers to experience Auri and find it helpful in navigating the station [7].
The trial of Auri at Bristol Temple Meads Station is expected to provide insights that can help improve accessibility and operational efficiencies within the broader public transportation industry [8]. The program was developed in partnership with Network Rail with support from Innovate UK [1][3].
Live system testing conducted by Ampetronic has validated consistent coverage and performance across designated areas [5]. Early reactions from passengers using the Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station have been positive [2]. The RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) is currently evaluating the efficacy and potential improvements of the Auri system [9].
References:
- Connected Places Catapult. (2021). Station Innovation Zone Programme. https://www.connectedplaces.org/programmes/station-innovation-zone/
- Ampetronic. (2021). Auri Live at Bristol Temple Meads Station. https://www.ampetronic.co.uk/news/auri-live-at-bristol-temple-meads-station
- Network Rail. (2021). Bristol Temple Meads Station. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/stations/bristol-temple-meads-station/
- Ampetronic. (2021). Auri. https://www.ampetronic.co.uk/products/auri/
- Ampetronic. (2021). Auri Live System Testing. https://www.ampetronic.co.uk/news/auri-live-system-testing
- Ampetronic. (2021). Jonathon Hoskin. https://www.ampetronic.co.uk/about-us/team/jonathon-hoskin/
- Ampetronic. (2021). Auri at Bristol Temple Meads Station. https://www.ampetronic.co.uk/news/auri-at-bristol-temple-meads-station
- Connected Places Catapult. (2021). Station Innovation Zone Programme. https://www.connectedplaces.org/programmes/station-innovation-zone/
- RNID. (2021). RNID Evaluates Auri at Bristol Temple Meads Station. https://www.rnid.org.uk/news/rnid-evaluates-auri-bristol-temple-meads-station
- The Auri system, deployed as part of the Station Innovation Zone program by Connected Places Catapult, aims to revolutionize accessibility and enhance overall passenger experience in the public-transit industry, particularly in transportation hubs like Bristol Temple Meads Station.
- With the Auri system installed throughout Bristol Temple Meads Station, passengers using devices like hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and smartphones can now receive clear audio broadcasts directly about business operations, events, and travel information, which includes important safety announcements and service updates.
- Technology such as the Auri system, embedded with features like location-based, real-time audio access, aims to cater to individuals with disabilities, such as hearing impairments and neurodivergent people, enabling them to navigate the station environment more effectively.
- The successful implementation of the Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station serves as a testament to the growing intersection between technology and the transportation industry, highlighting its potential for fostering innovative solutions to improve accessibility for all passengers.
