[NJTechDiv] Be My Eyes and Amtrak Partner to Pilot Innovative Visual Interpretation Technology for Blind and Low Vision Passengers

[Andy]

This is a pilot, but is still very interesting.  Maybe they'll add more in the future to this!  Highlights below, article here. <https://www.bemyeyes.com/business/news/be-my-eyes-and-amtrak-partnership/>

Live visual support aims to transform the rail experience at major U.S. train stations

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 6, 2025 — Be My Eyes <https://www.bemyeyes.com/>, the world’s leading Customer Accessibility Management platform for people who are blind or have low vision, today announced a partnership with Amtrak  <https://www.amtrak.com/home.html>to launch a pilot program that brings on-demand visual interpretation to blind and low vision passengers at key Amtrak stations.

The initiative will allow passengers to access live, real-time assistance from trained visual interpreters via the Be My Eyes mobile app <https://www.bemyeyes.com/download-app/?_gl=1*gofryz*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI1NTM5OTUxMS4xNzU0Mzg5NTA0*_ga_L3S1LV4KMF*czE3NTQzODk1MDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTQzODk1MDQkajYwJGwwJGgxODE1NTczNzEy>, providing support with navigating station environments, finding gates, reading signs, and more—all through the user’s smartphone camera.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Amtrak on this transformative pilot,” said Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes. “For blind and low vision passengers, a seamless station experience can be the difference between frustration and freedom. Our mission is to make the world more accessible—and that starts with public transportation.”

The three-month pilot, launching this summer, will deploy the service at 16 stations in the Northeast Corridor, including high-traffic hubs such as New York Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Boston South Station, and Washington Union Station. These locations were selected to provide data across a range of environments.

The project itself is part of a wider initiative within Amtrak to enhance the travel experience for blind and low vision passengers, and to make Amtrak a more equitable and independent travel option for passengers preferring greater autonomy rather than solely relying on staff assistance.

“Amtrak is committed to delivering an inclusive and independent travel experience for all our customers,” said Dr. David Handera, Vice President of Accessibility and Customer Service at Amtrak. “This pilot is a major step forward in breaking down barriers to travel for blind and low vision passengers and demonstrates our commitment to equity, accessibility, and innovation.”

The service will be provided at no cost to passengers and will be accessible via the Be My Eyes app on iOS and Android devices. Agents responding to requests through the Be My Eyes software platform are trained professionals who deliver high-quality visual interpretation through secure, real-time video connections. Upon opening the app, customers will be able to select the service directory option and look for Amtrak under Travel & Transportation.

Pending the results of the pilot—which will be assessed through usage metrics, rider feedback, and operational performance—Amtrak and Be My Eyes may expand the program nationwide across Amtrak’s network of stations.


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