Touch pads help the blind use HOP machines

Auckland Transport has worked with the Blind Foundation to make it easier for people who are blind or have low vision to use Auckland’s public transport system.

Bright yellow raised tactile markers have been installed on 74 AT HOP ticket and top-up machines to help people find their way round the screen.

Blind Foundation Environmental Awareness Advisor Chris Orr welcomes the move. “This means anyone who is blind or has low vision can top-up their HOP card or buy a ticket like anyone else.”

The AT HOP ticket and top-up machines already have a voice prompt. People can also select a mode which makes the font on the machine larger and increases the colour contrast to make it easier to read.

Mr Orr says this new function means that people in the blindness community are more independent because they can now do their HOP transactions at their local station, in their own time.

ENDS

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