Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program Evaluation Report

This report presents evaluation findings on the Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) Pilot Program in the Puget Sound Region of Washington. The installation, demonstration and evaluation of RIAS were required by a provision in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. RIAS is an orientation and mobility technology designed to eliminate barriers to accessibility for people who are visually impaired or are cognitively or developmentally disabled. The evaluation was designed specifically to better understand the impacts of RIAS on multimodal accessibility, on transit ridership, on transit operators, and on quality of life issues. This report outlines the evaluation methodology and presents focus group and survey findings, lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations.