Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Support Accessible Communication in Transit for Riders Who Are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

Public transportation systems increasingly rely on real-time information, digital alerts, and audible public announcements to support safe and reliable travel. Yet riders who are deaf or hard of hearing continue to face significant communication barriers across bus, rail, and station environments. These barriers affect not only convenience but also personal safety, particularly during emergencies or service disruptions when timely, actionable information is essential. Although the U.S. population of older adults is growing—and age-related hearing loss is becoming more prevalent—current transit communication systems have not kept pace with the range of hearing-related, cognitive, and hidden disabilities that affect navigation and comprehension in transit settings. Little research exists that specifically addresses communication accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing riders. Most existing disability research and accessibility investments center on physical or mobility impairments, and current transportation data systems do not consistently capture the experiences or needs of riders with hearing loss or communication-related disabilities. As a result, important gaps remain in understanding how these riders experience the system, how they respond to information, and how emerging technologies could improve communication and reduce barriers. These gaps affect urban, suburban, rural, and small agencies alike—many of whom lack the technical staff or funding to test new accessibility solutions. At the same time, rapid advances in communication technology, wayfinding tools, and real-time interpretation services offer promising opportunities. For example, the New York MTA’s pilot deployment of instant, on-demand ASL interpretation via QR code access demonstrates the potential of low-cost, scalable solutions to enhance communication, increase trust, and improve rider experience. Other agencies may be testing similar tools, but documentation is sparse and lessons are not widely shared. A clearer understanding of what technologies are available, how they perform, and how they might be deployed in systems of varying sizes is essential to modernizing access for riders who are deaf/hard of hearing. This topic also intersects with other disabilities—such as cognitive disabilities, sensory processing conditions, or neurodivergence—where improved communication design could benefit multiple rider populations. While some TCRP research examine broader disability access questions, there is a compelling need for a focused investigation into hearing-related communication needs within transit, while also identifying where alignment or shared standards could support cross-disability improvements.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6003
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $250,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project B-59

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Transit Cooperative Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20001

  Federal Transit Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Schoby, Jamaal

• Start Date: 20251208
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deaf persons; Persons with disabilities; Transit riders; Traveler information and communication systems
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01973730
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project B-59
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 8 2025 7:52PM