Meeting_Body
SYSTEM SAFETY, SECURITY AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
JANUARY 19, 2017
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS REPORT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file status report on efforts underway to use technology and innovation to transform the customer experience of Metro's Bus and Rail system, and mobility in the region in general.
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE report of the Customer Experience Technology Improvements.
Issue
ISSUE
This report provides key accomplishments and technological activities since the last update in August 2016 to further the goal of improving the customer experience as well as a look-ahead to the next update in April 2017.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The following is a summary of progress on customer focused activities for the referenced period.
1. Union Station beacon-based wayfinding for the visually impaired - project initiated
A new project called Wayfindr was initiated by the Office of Civil Rights to create a beacon-based wayfinding system for the visually impaired. Nearly 700 low energy Bluetooth beacons will be installed throughout the Union Station complex creating a highly accurate navigational matrix similar to a miniaturized global positioning system (GPS). The navigational matrix will be accurate to within several inches. Working in concert with a mobile audio application for cellphones, the system will provide accurate directions to visually impaired customers for locating pedestrian crossings, transfer locations to bus and rail, boarding gates, retail venues, restrooms, customer service booths and other facilities.
Volunteers from the Braille Institute and other visual support organizations will assist in testing the system to ensure usability by persons with varying levels of navigational skill.
While the focus of the project is for the visually impaired, the beacon network will be designed in such a way as to allow for expansion to other rail stations...
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