Keolis and MBTA Launch NaviLens Pilot to Help Blind and Low Vision Riders Navigate Stations

Service is live at North Station and Salem with four stations being added soon.

Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the MBTA Commuter Rail, has introduced a pilot to test NaviLens at North Station and Salem Station. This technology allows passengers who are blind or have low vision to navigate the stations with a smartphone app. When riders scan brightly colored QR-style codes posted in the stations the NaviLens app will then help them find the correct platform, provide real-time train information, and guide them to exits or other landmarks with audio navigation and haptic feedback.

"The MBTA welcomes and supports every opportunity to make our system easier to access, especially for riders who depend on it most,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “I’m proud of the work by Keolis and our System-wide Accessibility team to provide the new NaviLens technology pilot for riders who are blind or with low vision. The ability to access our Commuter Rail stations with confidence further supports riders’ independence, and we look forward to the deployment of this innovative technology pilot in additional stations soon.”

“Ensuring that all passengers can safely access the Commuter Rail is a top priority for Keolis,” said Abdellah Chajai, GM and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services. “NaviLens has the potential to give riders who are blind or have low vision the confidence to independently navigate our stations. We’re looking forward to partnering with the MBTA to pilot NaviLens at several other stations in the system.”

Read the full press release.