[tabi] from today's Democrat: StarMetro Implements Braille at Bus Stops

From: "Chip and Allie Orange" <acorange@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:38:28 -0400
StarMetro Implements Braille at Bus Stops

Written by

Lorin Pratt

In its continued effort to provide the highest level of service to all
citizens,

particularly those with transportation challenges, StarMetro has begun
incorporating

Braille at its bus stops.

Over the next several months, bus stop signs throughout Tallahassee will be
outfitted

with blue acrylic plates containing Braille and white raised lettering to
identify

each route. This will enable visually impaired riders to tactilely obtain
the route,

bus stop number and texting code used to locate maps and bus schedules.

Essentially, the Braille conveys the same information that is currently
printed on

bus signs to help riders navigate the system. By texting the bus stop
identification

number, for instance, customers can access route schedules and receive text
alerts

for bus arrival times.

This grant-funded initiative represents a cooperative effort of the City of
Tallahassee

along with local agencies, community leaders and visually impaired
residents. It

reflects the dedication and commitment of City leaders, the Tallahassee
Council of

the Blind, Lighthouse of the Big Bend, Ability 1st and engaged citizens such
as John

Plescow, Wanda Stokley, Lynda Jones, Evelyn Worley, Owen and Erica McCaul,
Michael

Elliott and others.

Always an industry leader, StarMetro has a long history of providing
exemplary service

to many transportation-disadvantaged citizens. It recently received the
prestigious

2013 Dispatcher/Scheduler of the Year Award from the Florida Commission for
the Transportation

Disadvantaged in recognition of providing caring, efficient and reliable
transportation

services throughout the Capital region.

StarMetro operates 12 cross-town routes, as well as university routes and
special

para-transit transportation to senior, disabled and low-income customers in
Tallahassee

and Leon County through services such as Dial-A-Ride. Last year, StarMetro
managed

261,407 calls and provided 163,000 para-transit trips.

More customer-focused programs are under way. It's all about being a Smart
City with

Smart Transit and Moving Forward Together.

For more information about StarMetro, visit Talgov.com/starmetro or call
StarMetro's

main office at 891-5200. Other ways to view information include liking
StarMetro's

official Facebook page and following @RideStarMetro on Twitter.

Photo Caption: Wanda Stokely and John Plescow of Tallahassee point out the
new Braille

plates at a bus stop on Reese Park Lane.
[tabi] from today's Democrat: StarMetro Implements Braille at Bus Stops

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