[NFBSF] BART launches pilot of Aira video interpreter service to help blind and Low vision riders navigate the system

[Monica Wegner]

Sorry for the high importance on that previous message. It was inherited from the original and I neglected to toggle it off.

Monica

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBSF <nfbsf-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Monica Wegner via NFBSF
Sent: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 12:39
To: 'NFB of San Francisco, California List' <nfbsf at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Monica Wegner <monica.wegner at outlook.com>
Subject: [NFBSF] FW: BART launches pilot of Aira video interpreter service to help blind and Low vision riders navigate the system
Importance: High



From: Elena Van Loo <EVanLoo at bart.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 11:53
To: Elena Van Loo <EVanLoo at bart.gov>
Cc: Ryan Greene-Roesel <RGreene at bart.gov>; Kevin McDonald <kevin.mcdonald at bart.gov>
Subject: BART launches pilot of Aira video interpreter service to help blind and Low vision riders navigate the system
Importance: High

Hello, BART riders.

BART is excited to announce a new pilot program<https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2026/news20261006> of Aira, a visual interpreter service that will help blind and low vision customers navigate to, from, and through the BART system, from October 6 through January 3rd.

What is Aira

Aira connects you with a live, professionally trained visual interpreter through a video call on your smartphone. The interpreter can see through your phone's camera and describe your surroundings, read signs and text, and help guide you in real time. Aira interpreters receive basic training on the BART system and can access BART's website and mobile app to help answer your questions.

Interpreters are available 24/7 and can help with tasks like:


  *   Getting to or from home or the street to the station

  *   Finding fare gates, station agent booths, and ticket vending machines

  *   Locating the right platform and boarding the correct train

  *   Reading signs, maps, and the BART app

How much does it cost?

Normally, Aira charges users by the minute, but during the pilot period, the cost of any call related to a BART trip - from a rider's front door all the way to their destination - will be covered.

How do I get started?


  1.  Download the free Aira Explorer app from the Apple App Store<https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira-explorer/id1590186766> or Google Play<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.explorer&pli=1>.

  1.  Open the app and create an account.   You will need to give the App permission to use your phone camera, microphone, and GPS location so the interpreter can assist you.

  1.  In the app, on the home screen, tap Browse Access Offers, and then in the search bar at the top of the next screen, type in BART. The offer is then applied to your next call.

  1.  When you're ready to place the call, open the app and tap "Call an Aira agent" to connect. You will reach a live visual interpreter in ten to fifteen seconds.

  1.  Let the interpreter know you are making a BART-related trip, point your camera at what you need information on, and the visual interpreter will assist you.

Aira works best with a cell signal or Wi-Fi connection. Free Wi-Fi is available to BART riders at SFO, West Oakland, 16th St./Mission, 24th St./Mission, Glen Park, Balboa Park, Embarcadero, Civic Center, and Powell St. stations, with more coming soon. Cell service may be limited at some underground stations, such as 12th St. and 19th St. Oakland.

Support and Feedback

BART will distribute a survey to participants to obtain feedback about the pilot.

Contact accessibility at bart.gov<mailto:accessibility at bart.gov>  with overall questions about the pilot.

For support with the Aira app, reach Aira support any time from the Aira Explorer menu, email Support at aira.io<mailto:Support at aira.io> or call Aira Customer Care at 1-800-834-1935.

Thank you,
Customer Access and Accessibility Department
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
2150 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94612
accessibility at bart.gov<mailto:accessibility at bart.gov>

CC:    Ryan Greene Roesel
          Kevin McDonald



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