Verification of effectiveness of Road Vibration Trough for ensuring safety of visually impaired individuals when crossing LRT tracks

Abstract

Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a modern urban transportation system characterized by low noise and vibration. Unlike conventional railways, LRTs operate alongside regular traffic without crossing gates. Although the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan has provided guidelines for general railway crossings, standardized universal design measures for crossing LRT tracks on shared roadways have not yet been established. Consequently, each operator implemented an independent measure.Visually impaired individuals rely on acoustic signals to cross roads. However, these signals are often turned off early in the morning and at night because of noise concerns, forcing users to rely on ambient sounds and increasing the risk of crossing red lights. Advanced Pedestrian Information and Communication Systems (PICS), which utilizes mobile devices and Bluetooth, is one potential solution.Meanwhile, Road Vibration Troughs (RVTs) have been installed as tactile cues. Embedded in the pavement, it communicates signal information through vibrations, voice announcements, and LED lights. By adapting Advanced PICS technology to the pavement, assistance can be provided regardless of the user's device ownership. This tool also benefits deafblind individuals.This study aimed to identify issues surrounding LRT crossing areas and to verify the effectiveness of the RVTs. We conducted an experiment involving 20 visually impaired individuals in Japan. We established four crossing conditions by combining the presence or absence of acoustic signals and the RVTs. Each participant performed 24 crossings, which were recorded using a video camera. The usefulness of the RVT and appropriateness of the Tactile Walking Surface Indicators were demonstrated via interviews of participants.

Keywords: Visually Impaired Individuals, LRT Track, Road Crossing, Road Vibration Trough

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007879