Improving Accessibility in Philadelphia’s Public Transit System
Philadelphia’s public transit system, SEPTA, is working to make its services more accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The city’s goal is to be sure that all residents can use the transit system safely and simply. To achieve this, SEPTA is improving its stations and vehicles, including the addition of ramps and elevators.
What is Accessibility in Transit?
Accessibility in transit just isn’t nearly physical features like ramps and elevators. It’s also about providing information to riders so that they can navigate the system safely and enjoyably. For example, drivers and conductors may announce vital updates on schedules and system status. But how can people who find themselves deaf or hard of hearing access this same information in real-time? This is where technology and innovation are available.
Introducing the SEPTA for All Challenge
The SEPTA for All challenge is a brand new initiative led by SmartCityPHL that goals to fill the accessibility gaps in Philadelphia’s public transit system through technology and augmented reality. The challenge is open to innovators in Philadelphia and individuals with disabilities who need to share their ideas and solutions. The goal is to seek out ways to supply real-time information to riders with disabilities, making the transit system more accessible and user-friendly.
How the Challenge Works
The SEPTA for All challenge will happen in three phases:
- An open application process will collect ideas and knowledge about teams’ capabilities. Applications are due on Monday, August 2 at 5 p.m.
- A judging panel will select as much as 12 semi-finalists to present their ideas at a virtual pitch event on Friday, August 20. Up to 6 teams with the highest pitches will move on to the ultimate round and receive small grants to develop working prototypes of their ideas.
- At a “Demo Day” on Tuesday, October 26, winning teams will likely be chosen from among the many six finalists to receive a complete of greater than $30,000 in money prizes and pilot their idea with SEPTA and the City.
Sharing Your Experience
SmartCityPHL also invites individuals with disabilities to share their experiences with navigating public transit through a survey, available online through July 17. Survey results will help inform ideas and solutions for the challenge and will likely be shared on the challenge kickoff event on July 19 and made available to the general public.
Conclusion
The SEPTA for All challenge is an exciting opportunity for innovators and individuals with disabilities to come back together and find solutions to enhance accessibility in Philadelphia’s public transit system. With the support of SmartCityPHL, SEPTA, and other partners, this challenge has the potential to make an actual difference within the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive and accessible transit system for all. By working together, we will be sure that everyone can use and revel in Philadelphia’s public transit system, no matter their abilities.
