The solution that the team proposed is a system which involves the installation of a kiosk at every bus stop in Singapore. This system is called the Visually Impaired Communications (VIC) system of which the visually impaired is required to have a customised ez-link card to use the kiosk.
Tactile flooring is strategically placed at both side entrance into the bus stop and leading up to the kiosk.
Figure 2: An example of tactile flooring implementation
The VIC system begins with the visually impaired interacting with the kiosk. The visually impaired is required to tap the customised ez-link card to use the kiosk. This customised ez-link card will be designed specially for the visually impaired and they can register for one at various ticketing offices located islandwide.
The visually impaired has the luxury of having two options when using the kiosk. The first option is for the visually impaired who are well familiarised with their surroundings and knows which bus to take to his desired destination. The visually impaired can then proceed to press the buttons fitted with braille which represents the bus numbers that are available at the bus stop and wait for the bus to arrive. The second option is for the visually impaired who require further information on the buses available or bus routes. They can proceed to locate and use the kiosk to communicate with a transport staff to request for more information. The transport staff will then proceed to inform the nearest desired bus driver.
Figure 3: A close view of the kiosk
The bus will then be required to stop at the head of the bus stop. Upon arrival, announcements will be made via speakers on the outside of the bus to notify the visually impaired. The bus driver will disembark and provide assistance for the visually impaired if they require additional assistance.
Figure 4: Process Flow of the VIC System
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