Talkable Bus Shelter : creative solution for individuals with limited vision

The smart audio systems, specifically tailored to aid individuals with limited vision in their daily travels, have been installed on buses covering 46 lines and at 10 major bus stops in areas frequently accessed by those with limited vision. This initiative not only promotes equity and sustainability but also allows everyone to navigate their lives with ease and without worry.

Pavarisa Chumvigrant, Chief Branding and Communications Officer of FWD Insurance emphasized FWD Insurance as the organization that actively supports and acknowledges diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of society. The company studied a report on the situation of visually impaired individuals in Thailand from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of SocialDevelopment and Human Security and found that, as of March 31, 2023, Thailand is home to 184,622 individuals with visual impairments. Moreover, in-depth interviews with visually impaired individuals, overseen by the Foundation for the Blind of Thailand, revealed an interesting insight: most visually impaired individuals choose to rely on public transportation for their daily commutes. However, a significant challenge arises as they often struggle to identify their desired bus lines or discern bus numbers. Motivated by this revelation, FWD Insurance has embarked on the "The Talkable Bus Shelter" campaign—a fusion of creativity and technology to develop smart bus shelters to enable individuals with limited vision to overcome daily life's obstacles, access public services with ease, and arrive safely at their destinations.

"The Talkable Bus Shelter" harnesses creativity and sound wave principles to build a "smart audio system " supported by GPS technology installed on buses and at smart bus stops. As a bus approaches or departs from a stop, the audio system will inform waiting passengers of the bus number. The audio is created from the principle of sound waves that are finely tuned to the hearing abilities of those with limited vision. The audio sound, with a volume ranging between 70-80 decibels and the frequency of a sound wave spanning 1,000- 4,000 Hz, effectively alerts visually impaired individuals of an approaching bus, giving them time to prepare for boarding.

Ensuring a consistent volume level for audio signals and alerts enhances the ease of identification and differentiation of sounds for individuals with limited vision. FWD Insurance has created unique audio announcements for each of the 46 bus lines commonly used by those with limited vision, enhancing efficiency in recognizing bus numbers. " The TalkableBus Shelter " is set to be installed at 10 bus stops in various locations, including in front of the Bangkok School for the Blind, opposite the Royal Thai Army Nursing College, Ramathibodi Hospital, Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Chatuchak Park, opposite Chatuchak Park, Central World Shopping Center (in front of Phra Trimurti and front of the Apple Store), Big C Ratchadamri, Fortune Town, and Soi Soonvijai (Phetchaburi). The service is open for use starting today.

"The challenge of this campaign lies in harnessing smart technology to address the issue by integrating creative ideas to achieve equality for everyone, particularly those with visual impairments. The goal is to ensure the efficient operation of "The Talkable Bus Shelter" with a clear responsiveness to the needs of individuals with limited vision. This is another campaign by FWD Insurance that has been implemented with tangible actions to reduce social disparities. We stand ready to support and care for everyone in society through this innovative and creative solution, " The Talkable Bus Shelter " to empower everyone to live life on their terms without worry" concluded Ms Pavarisa.

*46 Bus Lines Installed With Smart Audio Systems

1. Line 2 Samrong – Pak Khlong Talat
2. Line 3 Kamphaeng Phet Bus Depot – Khlong San
3. Line 11 Mega Bangna / Prawet - MBK Center
4. Line 12 Huai Khwang - Pak Khlong Talat
5. Line 13 Khlong Toei - Huai Khwang
6. Line 18 Tha It Market – Victory Monument
7. Line 23 Samrong / Mega Bangna – Thewet
8. Line 26 Min Buri - Victory Monument
9. Line 34 Rangsit - Hua Lamphong
10. Line 39 Talaad Thai – Victory Monument
11. Line 54 (Round Trip) Rama 9 Bus Depot - Huai Khwang - Din Daeng
12. Line 59 Rangsit - Sanam Luang
13. Line 60 Suan Siam - Pak Khlong Talat
14. Line 63 MRT Phra Nang Klao - Victory Monument
15. Line 67 Wat Samian Nari / Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal - Central Rama 3
16. Line 72 Khlong Toei – Thewet
17. Line 73 Siam Park - Saphan Phut
18. Line 76 Samae Dam - Pratunam
19. Line 77 Central Rama 3 - Mo Chit 2
20. Line 79 Borommaratchachonnani Bus Depot - Ratchaprasong
21. Line 93 Athlete Village – Si Phraya
22. Line 96 Min Buri - Mo Chit 2
23. Line 97 Ministry of Public Health - Priest Hospital
24. Line 134 Buathong Keha - Mo Chit 2
25. Line 136 Khlong Toei – Mo Chit 2
26. Line 137 (Round Trip) Ratchadaphisek - Ramkhamhaeng
27. Line 138 Ratchapracha Bus Depot / Tha Nam Phra Pradaeng - Mo Chit 2
28. Line 145 Pak Nam / Mega Bangna - Mo Chit 2
29. Line 179 Rama 9 - Rama 7
30. Line 185 Rangsit - Khlong Toei
31. Line 204 Huai Khwang - Tha Nam Ratchawong
32. Line 206 Mega Bangna – Kasetsart University
33. Line 502 Min Buri - Victory Monument
34. Line 503 Rangsit - Sanam Luang
35. Line 505 Pak Kret - Lumpini Park
36. Line 509 Boromarajonani Depot – Mo Chit 2
37. Line 510 Thammasat Rangsit - Victory Monument
38. Line 511 Pak Nam – Sai Tai Mai (Taling Chan)
39. Line 514 Min Buri - Silom
40. Line 515 Salaya – Victory Monument
41. Line 536 Pak Nam - Mo Chit 2
42. Line 3-26E Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute – Ramathibodi Hospital
43. Line 4-70E Salaya – Mo Chit
44. Line A1 Don Mueang Airport - Mo Chit
45. Line A2 Don Mueang Airport - Victory Monument
46. Line A3 Don Mueang Airport – Lumpini Park

Conditions of GPS Operation and Bus Stop Signs:

1. Bus lines without GPS systems connected to the 10 bus stop locations are BangkokMass Transit Authority (BMTA) private joint buses and bus lines with TSB running on the same route. These lines include line 2 (TSB), 14, 17, 74, 77 (TSB), 504, 3-53,3-54, 2-34, 8, 12 (TSB), 18 (TSB), 28, 97 (TSB), 108, 515 (TSB), 538, 539, 3-55, 29,44, 2-34, 97 (TSB), 529E, 11 (TSB), 69, 69E, 113, 3-44, 34 (TSB), 39 (TSB), 52, 90,104, 122, 524, 2-17, 2-34. (Note: TSB refers to Thai Smile Bus (TSB), which is a dark blue air-conditioned bus.)

2. In cases where a bus suddenly changes its route, the system will adjust the route according to the bus route characteristics with an AI system that automatically detects these changes. If the system cannot detect the new route, it will exclude that particular bus from the route, and no audio announcement will be made.

3. GPS signals may experience delays due to limitations in GPS technology, resulting in discrepancies with real-time locations. This may lead to incorrect announcements, such as no announcements or the audio sound being cut off because the bus has already passed the bus stop. If GPS accuracy is compromised, such as a bus entering a mall or leaving the road, the system will exclude that bus from the audio announcement system.

4. Technology deployed in traffic systems involves using AI technology to identify traffic conditions along the bus lines. This technology works with traffic statistical data collected for over 4 years in conjunction with real-time data from various probes on the road, enabling the system to identify traffic congestion in real-time, represented by colours ranging from black, dark red, red, orange, yellow, green, and light green. This technology allows for continuous audio announcements based on traffic congestion. For instance, in heavy traffic, the announcement will be made when the vehicle is very close to the bus stop. In moderate traffic, the announcement will occur sometime before the bus reaches the bus stop. In cases of abnormal situations or severe traffic jams, and the bus is still approaching the bus stop, an audible signal will be announced every three minutes to inform passengers of the approaching bus.