Edinburgh (TAN): ScotRail has launched a smartphone application so that deaf customers have access to train-related information during their journey.
The train operator partnered with United Kingdom-based company InterpreterNow, a service that provides access to online interpreting for deaf users so that deaf and hearing people can communicate with each other through smart devices such as laptops or smartphones.
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“We’re committed to making the railway open and accessible for all, and teaming up with InterpreterNow to launch this new app is just one of the way we’re doing that. Customers using BSL as their main form of communication can now have the confidence to travel by rail, knowing our people can help with any query they have in a simple, straightforward way,” said Andrew Marshall-Roberts, ScotRail Access and Inclusion Manager.
In what ScotRail claimed to be a ‘first for the UK rail industry’, InterpreterNow will introduce a new ‘simple and straight forward’ British Sign Language (BSL) app to the railway that can be used on smartphones of both employees and customers. It will offer information on trains during times of disruption, and answer customer queries at railway stations or ticket offices.
Through the app, passengers will be put in touch with an interpreter over a video call, who will convey the query to a ScotRail employee and get back to the customer with the answer.
Andy Irvine, Operations Director at InterpreterNow – Scotland, said: “We at InterpreterNow are delighted to have been working with ScotRail on this solution. Providing access for passengers by means of a simple app, for many may seem trivial, but for those who rely on BSL, can be very reassuring and empowering.”
“Just knowing that access in your own language is available throughout your journey is not far off ground-breaking,” he added.
Janis McDonald, Chief Officer at Deafscotland, an organisation for deaf issues in Scotland, said they supported the launch of the app.
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“We have campaigned for access, equality and citizenship for all those affected by deafness, and we see the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 promoting and supporting British Sign Language development as well as ScotRail’s actions as a huge step towards access and integration through travel. We encourage BSL users to register with InterpreterNow and take advantage of this progress and other service providers to consider similar action,” he added.
ScotRail had earlier reduced the amount of time required for disabled passengers to arrange assisted travel.
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