Public Transportation Tips for the Blind and Visually Impaired
/
photo of an empty subway car with words “Public transportation tips & tricks” with the wsb logo at the bottom
Public Transportation Tips for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Using public transportation is a way of life for the blind and visually impaired community. In today’s blog post, we’re sharing tips on using public transportation as a blind or visually impaired person. Many of these tips can also be great if you’re traveling as a blind or visually impaired person but we’re bringing them up again in ways that can be especially useful for public transportation. Many of these tips are specific to the United States but they can still be applied if you are reading from another country!
1. Different kinds of Public Transportation
There are several types of public transportation from buses, trains, paratransit, and even using rideshare services. Most cities have some kind of fixed bus route or train system while rural areas may not but it always worth looking into. Another option for public transportation is paratransit, which we will touch on later in this post. For getting farther distances without flying or using expensive rideshare services, Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses are a great option.
2. Discounts
Did you know that public transportation offers (often pretty hefty!) discounts to the blind and visually impaired? Each transit system is different on the discount, for example, Little Rock Region Metro offers half-price 10-day or 31-day passes, whereas, in Atlanta, the fare for the metro and buses only costs $1 per ride, which is over a 50% discount. Each city is different and has different requirements but most require a form filled out by a doctor to gain access to a discount pass. Amtrak and Greyhound also have discounts for those with disabilities. If you are taking Amtrak or Greyhound, be sure to call to order your ticket to get the discounts as the website often does not work for the discount.
3. Plan ahead
We’ve talked about the importance of planning ahead on the blog before, but it is critical to plan ahead when you’re taking public transportation! From knowing where the closest bus stop to your home is to what bus to take, it can take time to plan a trip using public transportation. Knowing what bus/train you need to take is important when traveling using public transportation. This not only helps you but can allow someone at the station to help you get to the right train or bus. Tricks like using street view on google maps before you go can help you identify where to go beforehand or if there are even sidewalks available, if you are low vision. But thats brings us onto our next tip…
4. Download google maps ahead of time
Google maps of specific locations have the ability to be downloaded so you can use the map of your city or town offline. It even shows you the bus or train stops in your area! They even have created detailed speaking directions if you are walking somewhere specifically for the blind and visually impaired.
5. Download mobile apps for the train system you are using
Many public transportation systems have apps you can use to help know when the bus/train will arrive, maps of the system, and even help with planning the best route! Make sure you download the app before you head out so you can get the most out of your trip.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask!
While public transportation doesn’t provide the help that an airline might, there are still people at the stations who can help you find which train or bus you might need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are lost! Many people are willing to help whether you’re looking for the bus or train.
7. For Greyhound, print ticket beforehand.
Greyhound has very specific guidelines for tickets. Make sure when you book your ticket beforehand that you print the actual ticket and not just the confirmation page. They won’t let you board if you just show the confirmation page.
8. Let your uber driver know ahead of time
This might be a controversial tip and certainly one that is a personal preference, but when requesting a ride, you can let your uber driver know ahead of time that you are visually impaired/blind. This allows the driver to know that you might not be able to see them pull up or which car to look for. You can also just let them know where you are standing, whether it’s outside a specific store or at a specific corner.
9. Orientation and Mobility training
If you’re moving to a new city or just need help to understand the public transportation systems, Orientation and Mobility training is a great option. WSB offers Orientation and Mobility training to those who receive training on-campus but Orientation and Mobility instruction can be provided through your local Vocational Rehabilitation services.
10. Paratransit
Paratransit is available in cities with fixed bus/train routes for those with disabilities. Paratransit is available to those who are not able to use the fixed bus or train routes in the city. Paratransit allows you to schedule rides and they will pick you up and drop you off at certain locations.