Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has partnered with mapping software Goodmaps in an effort to make Manchester’s travel hubs more accessible.
The free Goodmaps app allows users access to real-time navigation aids in select areas of the region, such as Victoria, Piccadilly, and Manchester Airport train/tram stations, as well as Shudehill and Bolton interchanges.
Councillor Tracy Rawlins, Bee Network Committee’s Disability Advocate, said: “As someone who lives with a visual impairment, I know first-hand the difficulties that can arise when trying to navigate an unfamiliar area.”
After downloading the app, Mancunian Matters headed over to Victoria Station to test it out.
Once opened, the app presents you with a map of the interior you are navigating, from which you can tap on specific sub-locations – for example a coffee shop.
The app also takes levels into account – there were separate maps for the ground floor of the station, for the stairs and platforms leading to the O2 Arena, and for the arena itself.
By holding your phone in front of you, the app then uses your phone camera to pinpoint your exact location within the space.
Once it has your bearings, Goodmaps directs you to your chosen location via an augmented-reality overlay on your screen, with large green arrows for guidance, and spoken directions through your headphones or speaker.
We used the app to guide us from one end of the station to a small Metro Kiosk at the other – a task it managed with precision.
The technology is currently being trialled for three months between March and May, expanding to include more locations in the Greater Manchester area if successful.
Users can share their thoughts via the online feedback survey, by emailing the Partnerships Engagement & Inclusion team at [email protected], or by calling the Transport for Greater Manchester Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000.
Goodmaps can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices.
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