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MBTA debuts MBTA Go app, tests hands‑free fare gates and runs evacuation drills, agency says
Summary
MBTA System‑Wide Accessibility staff told R‑TAG about the new MBTA Go app (iPhone live; Android coming soon), two recent system evacuation drills that included volunteers with disabilities, hands‑free fare gate testing, and public feedback on a Type 10 vehicle mockup.
The MBTA on Nov. 21 told the Riders’ Transportation Access Group that it has released its first home‑grown MBTA Go app for iPhone and is working toward an Android version and further feature releases aimed at riders with accessibility needs.
"This app has been designed in house ... with the accessibility in mind," said Laura Brelsford, assistant general manager of System‑Wide Accessibility, who said the app provides realtime bus and subway information, stop locations and will later include elevator/up‑time and accessible car location features.
Brelsford also described two recent emergency evacuation drills (Nov. 3 and Nov. 17) — one on the Red Line in Quincy and one focused on commuter rail — that included volunteers with disabilities to test inclusive evacuation procedures. The MBTA is compiling findings from both drills to recommend training and procedure improvements.
Staff reported that public viewings of a Type 10 bus mockup on Oct. 29–30 drew large interest and generated over 400 comments, including about 50 that focused on accessibility. Riders generally praised the 100 percent low‑floor vehicles and realtime digital panels, while some raised concerns about aisle width and seat depth; MBTA vehicle engineering staff will consider changes.
Brelsford encouraged riders to submit feedback through MBTA.com/support or by calling the customer service line at 617‑222‑3200 (711 for relay) and promoted a semiannual public meeting on Dec. 11 that will include the settlement independent monitor and MBTA leadership presentations on platform‑gap improvement efforts and the hands‑free gate pilot.
She reminded participants that the SWA team will track accessibility‑related feedback and promised follow‑up when staff can provide detailed responses to individual reports.
