Transit Becoming Increasingly Accessible and Pleasant for Passengers, Thanks to Ampetronic
Ampetronic's Auri System Enhances Accessibility at Bristol Temple Meads Station
Ampetronic, in partnership with Network Rail and supported by Innovate UK, has completed the installation of its groundbreaking Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station in Bristol, England. This installation marks the first public integration of Auri in a transport environment.
The Auri system, designed to improve accessibility for passengers with hearing loss, neurodivergent individuals, non-native English speakers, and those sensitive to noisy environments, has been installed across Platforms 9-12, the pedestrian subway area, and Ticket Hall.
The system delivers clear audio directly to users' ears via Auracast™ broadcasts, significantly improving speech intelligibility in the often noisy and busy train station environment. This innovation aims to make Bristol Temple Meads Station safer and more navigable for diverse passenger groups.
Specific benefits of the Auri system include:
- Improved audio access for passengers with hearing loss: The system enables users of Auracast™-compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, or earbuds to receive clear, direct auditory information despite background noise.
- Support for neurodivergent individuals and anyone sensitive to noisy environments: The system provides clearer, more manageable audio cues that facilitate stress-free navigation of the station.
- Assistance for non-native English speakers and infrequent rail users: The system offers clearer, more personalized information that aids in understanding announcements and navigating the station effectively.
To evaluate the system’s effectiveness and gather feedback for future improvements and integration with other station systems, user trials are being conducted by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). These trials will assess the type of information the system should broadcast, what improvements could be made to access the technology, and the interoperability of Auri with existing systems.
Jonathon Hoskin, business development manager at Ampetronic, expressed eagerness for more passengers to experience Auri and hopes they find it helpful. He emphasized that assessment has always been an important component of this project, stating that feedback and insights gathered can help improve accessibility, the passenger experience, and operational efficiencies.
The Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station serves as a showcase where rail technology innovators, buyers, and investors can collaborate to shape the stations of tomorrow. Early reactions from passengers who have tried the system have been encouraging.
Passengers in these areas of the station with Auracast-enabled devices can access live audio broadcasts from the station's public address system, including safety announcements, service updates, and travel information.
[1] Source: Ampetronic press release, dated 1st April 2021.
- Ampetronic's Business development manager, Jonathan Hoskin, hopes that more passengers will experience the Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station and find it beneficial, emphasizing that feedback will help improve accessibility, the passenger experience, and operational efficiencies.
- The Auri system, installed at Bristol Temple Meads Station, is expected to deliver numerous benefits to the Transportation Industry, with features that cater to passengers with hearing loss, neurodivergent individuals, non-native English speakers, and those sensitive to noisy environments.
- The events surrounding the installation of Ampetronic's Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station have the potential to influence the Finance Industry by presenting an opportunity for investment in technology solutions aimed at enhancing accessibility within the Transport Industry.
