The joy of independent commuting
A NaviLens QR Code.
Have you seen the NaviLens symbol at your local tram stop? NaviLens is a system using an app and QR codes that Yarra Trams has introduced across its network. You get to the stop where you want to catch a tram, open the app, point your phone at the tram stop info and it will start telling you when the next tram is due. You can point your phone camera at a tram and it will tell you where it’s going. If you get on a random tram, you can point the phone to the inside of the tram – the wall or ceiling – and it will tell you what number tram you are on, where it is going and what stop you are at.
First, a huge thank you to Yarra Trams for introducing this to the Melbourne system. While Melbournians are generally friendly people and will help me out if I’m not sure I’m getting on the right tram, there’s nothing like the feeling of being able to travel confidently and independently.
Yarra Trams had already introduced generally reliable announcements across the tram fleet to help passengers with their commute. These are fabulous, but sometimes they are quiet, or the tram is noisy, and sometimes they are not on. NaviLens to the rescue.
Admittedly, I was a slow adopter of NaviLens. I couldn’t quite imagine something could be this helpful! Luckily, some new tram stops were built near where I live and Yarra Trams offered residents a tour for anyone with mobility issues.
Along with the tour, I got a demo of NaviLens in action. I was blown away and immediately started using it all the time.
The great thing about naviLens is that it proves the point that innovation that is good for people with disability can also be awesome for everybody else. I have introduced NaviLens to members of my family who have perfect vision. They love it too! A family member with a vision impairment used Tram Tracker. But once I showed her how NaviLens worked she was also hooked.
It's particularly great if you are at a suburban tram stop where there are no public information displays. You just point your phone at the tram stop sign, and it will tell you exactly how far away the next tram is.
It’s something about the simple point and discover method that makes NaviLens so cool. And anything that helps me travel independently is a source of joy.
Thank you to all the Yarra Trams staff who made NaviLens happen.
The challenge goes out to Metro Trains, V/Line and the bus network.