Through a collaboration between NJ TRANSIT and the Transit Tech Lab, customers will now have access to GoodMaps at Hoboken Terminal, which provides innovative indoor navigation assistance through the facility, and Convo at Newark Penn Station Customer Service and Ticket Offices, which provides on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting. A quick QR scan connects them to a live interpreter for seamless communication.
“GoodMaps and Convo are innovative applications that deliver practical solutions that help make our busiest facilities more accessible to all customers,” said NJ TRANSIT President/CEO Kris Kolluri. “Whether it's navigating a terminal or communicating with staff, these technologies give people more control over their journey and reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a more welcoming transit system.”
Indoor Navigation and On-Demand ASL
GoodMaps empowers all visitors — including those with visual impairments or disabilities — with precise, real-time navigation throughout the terminal, making travel easier and more accessible.
The Goodmaps app operates similarly to outdoor GPS systems, such as Google Maps. However, it specializes in indoor navigation, providing turn-by-turn directions via audio or on-screen text.
With the GoodMaps app, customers can access real-time directions for trains and buses right from their mobile device. They can also benefit from features designed for users with low vision and mobility challenges, enhancing independence and comfort.
Meanwhile, Convo offers technology for those who use sign language to communicate. Customers can scan a QR code and connect with a live interpreter who can convey the message between the customer and an NJ TRANSIT employee.
This enables a seamless experience for all NJ TRANSIT customers and opens the door to building stronger relationships by making communication more efficient and effective.
NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Tech Lab
The Transit Tech Lab is a program established by the Partnership Fund for New York City and agencies in the New York City region to bring private sector innovation to public transit by connecting tech companies with transit agencies to pilot new technologies and solve critical transit challenges.
The Lab offers an accelerated pathway for early- to growth-stage companies to address public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.