NextStop Blog

Metro Transit will host an open house at the Civic Center Transit Center in downtown St. Louis on Thursday, July 17, to allow transit customers and the public to test new accessibility technology from GoodMaps and NaviLens. Metro has partnered with GoodMaps and NaviLens to evaluate how their resources can make it easier for riders of all abilities to navigate MetroLink stations and transit centers to enjoy safe, comfortable and convenient transit services.

Accessibility Technology Open House

Thursday, July 17 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Civic Center Transit Center | 401 S. 14th Street, 63103

Representatives from GoodMaps and NaviLens will be available during the July 17 open house to answer questions and provide assistance. Transit riders and the public can continue to test the technology using the GoodMaps or NaviLens apps at the Civic Center Transit Center until later this fall. Metro Transit is accepting customer feedback and comments until October 31, 2025. Please visit metrostlouis.org/wayfinding for more information on accessibility technology, details on how to download the apps, and how to share your feedback.

GoodMaps is a free app that helps users find their way around MetroLink stations, transit centers and bus stops. It works like GPS on a mobile device, except it is built specifically for transit, and is designed to work for everyone. GoodMaps provides voice directions for people who have visual impairments, visual directions for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and accessible routes for people using mobility devices. The Civic Center Transit Center has already been scanned by GoodMaps, and customers will be able to test the app at the transit center during the open house.

NaviLens is a free app that helps individuals with visual impairments navigate unfamiliar environments. NaviLens supports traditional transit signage, which is not always effective for all riders, with special NaviLens code signs. These code signs are installed next to traditional signage, but are designed to be read even if the user does not know exactly where they are placed. The NaviLens app can read the code signs in all lighting conditions, at 12 times the distance of traditional QR codes, from a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, and it even works if the camera is unfocused.

NaviLens code signs will be installed at the Civic Center Transit Center and along some stops of the #10 Gravois-Lindell MetroBus route for customers to test starting on July 17.