19/08/2026
London and Sussex Sight Loss Councils visited London Bridge Station to test a navigation app called GoodMaps.
It has a station map and an accessible directory of facilities. You can search or filter by different categories, like shops, toilets, and platforms. The app identifies your location, creates a route and provides audio visual directions to your chosen point.
We had some connectivity problems with the app dropping out. However, volunteers said it worked well when the connection was stable and found their destination accurately.
Most agreed it was a useful tool but said they wouldn’t rely on it to navigate the station independently.
It was interesting using GoodMaps with a guide dog. The app gave very specific instructions with tiny adjustments and followed a set line. Lassie chose the best route based on my directions, which made it hard to follow. I couldn’t adjust her as finely as the app wanted, so we couldn’t reach the checkpoint to get the next instruction.
Like all technology, it has pros and cons! Every blind and partially sighted person has unique experiences and preferences. It’s great to see more options available to make transport accessible.
[Image 1: Lauren holds a smartphone with guide dog Lassie lying at her feet. Dave, SLC Volunteer, holds a smartphone with the screen pointed away and speaker close to his ear, white cane under one arm. Josh, SLC Volunteer, wears smart glasses and holds a white cane in front with both hands.
Image 2: Clinton, SLC Volunteer, holds a white cane in one hand and smartphone in the other, upright in front of his face. A departure board is visible behind him.]
