Finding your way to a transit stop or getting real-time information can be hard, especially if you are blind or have low vision, do not speak English, or are new to using transit or the St. Louis area. That’s why we are testing two different apps—NaviLens and GoodMaps—which are designed to make it easier for people to find their way.
These apps allow users to hear the information that is written on signs, as well as facilitate access to real-time information about bus arrivals, service alerts, trip planning and more. Please try out these two apps over the next several months and let us know what you think!
Our Wayfinding Apps:
GoodMaps
GoodMaps is a smartphone application that provides step by step directions through a busy transit station by using a 3D map of your position and surroundings. Visit GoodMaps.com for more information.
For video tutorials about the app and its features, check out How To Use the GoodMaps App from GoodMaps Connect.
Download GoodMaps:
NaviLens is a smartphone application that detects colorful codes using a smartphone camera from up to 100 feet away. The codes provide information such as the bus stop ID, route, direction, real time transit information, location of the bus shelter, and even announce how far away from the stop/shelter the user is and provide direction/signals they need to move closer.
NaviLens also translates into the language your phone is in—up to 38 different languages—so that you can access information about your route. NaviLens provides visual information in audio formats, primarily for users who are blind or have low vision. Visit NaviLens.com to learn more.
Check out this NaviLens Basics Tutorial for a great video about the app and its features.
Please note that there are two versions of the NaviLens app—NaviLens and NaviLensGo—which are designed to offer a tailored experience for different users:
NaviLens provides visual information in audio formats, primarily for users who are blind or have low vision. This information ranges from wayfinding and navigation within subway stations, locating the exact locations of bus stops, real-time subway and bus arrival information, and more!
Once you download the app, hold your phone against your chest as you walk and the app will scan the environment and detect codes while you travel. If you want to hear the most recent set of instructions again, simply shake your phone and the app will re-read the last registered code.
NaviLensGO has more extensive visual features and is designed for users of all abilities.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, it will request that you accept the terms and then it will show you an introductory explanation of the interface. Simply scan a NaviLens code using NaviLensGO and see how quickly the information loads!
Wayfinding Pilot Locations on Metro Transit
Civic Center Transit Center
We are conducting this pilot at the Civic Center Transit Center. You’ll be able to use both of these apps to find your way around the MetroLink platform, to the gates, the customer waiting area (including the restroom and the security/information desk), and the various bus bays.
Features at Civic Center:
MetroBus #10 Gravois-Lindell
You will also be able to test these technologies at 24 bus stops along the #10 Gravois‑Lindell route, with information provided about points of interest along the way, and real time information about bus arrivals and departures.
Bus stops along the #10:
Need More Assistance?
To get additional help learning to use these apps or riding Metro Transit, we offer Travel Training!
Provide Your Feedback
We will soon be offering a survey on this page. Please let us know what you think about GoodMaps and/or NaviLens!