Transit Becomes More Accessible and Comfortable Due to Ampetronic's Innovations
The Ampetronic-developed Auri system, in collaboration with Listen Technologies, is revolutionizing accessibility in public transport environments, starting with Bristol Temple Meads Station in Bristol, England.
This advanced assistive listening solution utilizes Auracast™ broadcast audio technology to transmit clear, personalized live audio directly to passengers' hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and smartphones that support Auracast. The system aims to break down barriers for people with hearing loss, neurodivergent individuals, those overwhelmed by noisy environments, non-native English speakers, and infrequent rail users, making navigation through large and complex stations safer and more comfortable.
Key features and benefits of the Auri system include:
- The deployment of 10 transmitters to cover high-traffic zones such as platforms and pedestrian areas, ensuring broad audio coverage throughout the station.
- Easy access with open, unencrypted audio streams, allowing passengers to connect with their personal devices without barriers.
- Improved audio quality over traditional assistive listening systems, offering stereo sound and a wider bandwidth.
- Privacy improvements as the system broadcasts securely and efficiently to individual devices without the need for shared hardware.
- Usability across different hearing devices, including the Auri Audio Receiver, which enables compliance with accessibility requirements and provides users with controls for volume and broadcast choosing.
- Positive user feedback and ongoing trials by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) to optimize the system’s effectiveness and interoperability with existing station systems.
The Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station broadcasts safety announcements, service updates, and travel information, aiming to improve the passenger experience, safety, and inclusivity for a diverse range of users. Ampetronic performed live system testing that validated consistent coverage and performance across designated areas, including Platforms 9-12, the pedestrian subway area, and Ticket Hall.
Jonathon Hoskin, business development manager at Ampetronic, expressed eagerness for more passengers to experience Auri and find it helpful. The installation was selected by Connected Places Catapult as part of the Station Innovation Zone program, serving as a showcase for rail technology innovators, buyers, and investors.
Hoskin emphasized the importance of assessment in the project, stating that feedback and insights gathered can improve accessibility, passenger experience, and operational efficiencies. This is the first public integration of Auri in a transport environment, and Ampetronic hopes to gather insights from the trial at Bristol Temple Meads Station that can be applied to the broader public transportation industry.
- The Auri system, incorporated with Auracast™ technology, is revolutionizing accessibility in public transportation, particularly in the industry of rail, with the first integration at Bristol Temple Meads Station.
- The Auri system at Bristol Temple Meads Station aims to improve the passenger experience, safety, and inclusivity, broadcasting important announcements, service updates, and travel information.
- Key features of the Auri system include the deployment of 10 transmitters for broad coverage, easy device connectivity, improved audio quality, privacy improvements, compatibility with various hearing devices, and positive feedback from users like the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
- Hoskin, business development manager at Ampetronic, highlighted the importance of assessment in the project, stating that insights gathered can help improve accessibility, passenger experience, and operational efficiencies in various public-transit transportation environments.
