People who are blind or vision impaired can face challenges when navigating bus stations and using buses. Committed to ensuring people who are blind or vision impaired can use public transport, Surrey County Council is trialling the use of the Aira Explorer App which connects users with a visual interpreter to help them navigate their environment, including transportation, from 1st April 2025 for three months, at the following locations:
• The Friary Bus Station, Guildford
• Redhill Bus Station
• Staines Bus Station
• The Broadway, Woking Railway Station, and High Street Link bus stops
Trial participants will need to:
• download the Aira Explorer App and register for an account
• be able to go to one or more of the trial locations on one or more occasions to test the app
• be willing to provide feedback on the experience using the app and charges
The cost to use the app at any of the above locations will be paid for by the Surrey County Council. App use outside of the trial locations may result in the users being charged. Participants will be advised of this on the app before costs are incurred. The number of locations can increase over time following the successful completion of the trial.
Trial participation
People will need their own smartphone and data plan to take part in the trial. Anyone with access to the Aira Explorer App will be able to use and test the app throughout the trial period. This can be done in their own time, as and when they want to, or as they make their normal bus journeys.
In addition four group trial sessions are available with support from Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, Surrey Vision Action Group, and Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey to ensure people can get some support using the App and service.
Dates, times and locations for supported sessions
Tuesday 8 April 1.30pm to 3.00pm, The Broadway and High Street, Woking
Monday 14 April 10.00am to 11.30am, The Friary Bus Station, Guildford
Thursday 1 May 10.00am to 11.30am, Redhill Bus Station
Friday 16 May 1.30pm to 3pm, Staines Bus Station
User feedback
During the trial period participants will be asked to complete a short survey asking about their thoughts and feelings about their app use and the potential for future support.
This will be an online form but it can also be sent by email, if required. To provide feedback please visit https://www.surreysays.co.uk/environment-and-infrastructure/aira-explorer-trial-feedback
For help with Aira Explorer please download this handy guide Getting Started with Aira Explorer.
