Bee Network launches 'important' new technology trial at five Greater Manchester stations
It is based on an app called GoodMaps, which is free to access, and uses information from camera-based positioning to give people "turn by turn directions" at key destinations. The app is aimed at making easier for people to navigate busy transport hubs, including accessing platforms, finding emergency help points, and accessible toilets.
The GoodMaps app is now available to download on Android and Apple devices and is being activated in a selection of stops on the Bee Network for a three month trial period running from march to May 2025.
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Through the trial the app will be active in five major hubs on the network: Bolton Interchange, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, and Shudehill Interchange.
The trial comes as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) works in partnership with Disability Design Reference Group and groups representing elderly people and those with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments.
Cllr Tracey Rawlins, the Bee Network Committee's Disability Advocate and Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, said: "Speaking as someone who lives with a visual impairment, I know first-hand the difficulties that can arise when trying to navigate an unfamiliar area, especially those as busy as a city-centre transport interchange.
"This is why it's so important that as a city-region we are constantly exploring for new ways to make our public transport network as accessible as possible, whether that is for people with visual or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, or anything else that may make it harder to travel around.
"I'm pleased to be able to announce that the Bee Network is set to undertake a three-month trial of GoodMaps to explore its benefits, and I would very much encourage people to download it for free and see how it could improve their travelling experience throughout Greater Manchester."
Neil Barnfather MBE andCCO of GoodMaps, added: 'GoodMaps provides an ability to access public spaces in a manner that has previously not been obtainable.
'As a blind person myself, I know all too well the challenges of travelling independently and especially to places to where I have not been previously.
'What makes the work with TfGM so distinctive is the regional connectivity; with passengers able to transition between rail, bus and tram. Greater Manchester truly leads the way in multimodal mobility, not least for persons with a disability.'
TfGM has also said that it is welcoming feedback on the trial in effort to ensure the network is as accessible as possible.
People can share their thoughts via the online feedback survey, or by emailing the Partnerships Engagement & Inclusion team at engagement@tfgm.com by the end of May. You can also call the TfGM Contact Centre on 0161 244 1000.
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