NJ TRANSIT LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM OF NEW TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE DIGITAL TRAVEL INFORMATION TO BUS CUSTOMERS
Bus Stops In New Brunswick Will Pilot NaviLens Technology; Provides Bus Customers With Departure Times and Service Info with Enhanced Features for Visually Impaired Customers and Multi-Language Support
November 7, 2023
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT is continuing its efforts to make public transit more accessible and responsive with the launch of a pilot program of NaviLens technology in New Brunswick. The NaviLens technology uses special QR-style codes to enable customers to use their smart devices at NJ TRANSIT bus stops to get a host of service information and assistance in the palm of their hands. NaviLens integrates NJ TRANSIT data in real-time so customers can determine when the next bus will arrive at their location. The technology also provides visually impaired customers with directional wayfinding and audio information. The color coded QR-style codes can be read by devices 12 times farther away than traditional QR codes so visually impaired customers don’t need to know the exact placement of the signage at the bus stop.
“Enhancing accessibility continues to be a top priority for NJ TRANSIT,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “This technology is a game changer for our bus network, by combining service information and language and visual support in an inclusive and accessible way for all customers to benefit.”
“This pilot represents NJ TRANSIT’s continued commitment to maximizing accessibility to our system for all those who rely on public transit,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “We’re pleased to pilot NaviLens in New Brunswick where thousands of NJ TRANSIT bus customers will have an opportunity to use this exciting new technology to enhance their travel experience.”
"It’s very exciting to launch this new pilot program right here in Middlesex County that will help thousands of customers better navigate our system with cutting edge technology,” said NJ TRANSIT Board Member and Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra. “This program will increase accessibility and improve the transit needs of this community and beyond.”
NaviLens provides augmented reality navigation as well as bus arrival information and service status once customers use their camera feature and the NaviLens app on their smart device to scan the NaviLens code displayed at bus stops. NaviLens will read signs out loud and provide bus arrival information in text and audio to help visually impaired customers navigate the bus stop. NaviLens also supports 34 languages to suit the customer’s preference.
The pilot program in New Brunswick includes 51 NaviLens signs installed at bus stops with existing MyBus signs. The unique QR-style NaviLens codes can be detected from up to 60 feet away.
NJ TRANSIT will examine results of the pilot program to determine if expansion throughout the system and integration with NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app is feasible.
NJ TRANSIT NaviLens Technology:
NJ TRANSIT Current Message Based Bus Communications:
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
This document and others are available for translation on njtransit.com.