NJ TRANSIT INTRODUCES NEW TECHNOLOGY TO AID CUSTOMERS IN THEIR TRAVELS
Advancements Improve Customer Experience and Enhance Accessibility for Neurodiverse Customers and Those with Mobility Challenges
May 11, 2022
NEWARK, NJ –NJ TRANSIT today announced the launch of two new technology-focused initiatives to help customers navigate travel on the system as safely and efficiently as possible. Advancements include efforts aimed at improving accessibility on NJ TRANSIT for neurodiverse customers and customers with mobility challenges.
Through its partnership with Magnusmode, NJ TRANSIT will assist autistic and neurodiverse customers with the help of MagnusCards, a free mobile app that combines the instruction of an autism educational specialist with real-world images that aid anyone who could use extra guidance to navigate everyday travel experiences.
“It's rewarding to know that providing support for those with disabilities is a top priority for NJ TRANSIT,” said NJ State Senator and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.
“NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to this effort is greatly appreciated by the people of New Jersey, and I appreciate their focus on inclusive mass transportation,” NJ State Assemblyman and Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Daniel R. Benson.
“These new tech-focused initiatives will significantly increase accessible public transportation options for those who may not be using the system today,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “NJ TRANSIT is committed to maximizing access to public transportation for all New Jerseyans, and these enhancements will help us fulfill that commitment.”
Specifically, the partnership with Magnusmode will initially create a set of five MagnusCards “decks” to guide individuals through various aspects of riding NJ TRANSIT buses. Each deck provides step-by-step visual, audio, and text instructions that set expectations and ease anxiety. Funding for Magnusmode was provided by the Senior Citizen & Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program (SCDRTAP). SCDRTAP was created by the state to assist counties throughout New Jersey with their community-based transportation services for disabled or senior residents and to provide resources for increasing the accessibility of NJ TRANSIT services.
Customers can learn more and find links to download the app at www.njtransit.com/magnusmode.
NJ TRANSIT has also revamped its accessibility-related website content and user experience, now available at www.njtransit.com/accessibility. The webpage features a new overview video about the many services and features of NJ TRANSIT that make it accessible and inviting to all individuals, as well as easy-to-use links to specific information and informational videos, which are captioned in 6 languages in addition to English. The videos, which were funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s Access and Mobility Partnership Grants program, cover several topics including information about vehicle and station accessibility, the Reduced Fare Program, community transportation services, and our Access Link paratransit service, including Access Link Online, where Access Link customers can manage their reservations and accounts.
These initiatives along with others still in progress all help NJ TRANSIT achieve its goal of offering all of its customers an efficient, safe, inclusive and effective way to travel.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.