BART launches tactile system and station maps for blind and low vision riders
Image credit: BART
New tactile maps of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), developed by the Bay Area’s Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, are now available to assist blind and low vision riders in confidently navigating the system. The maps are available by request and will be distributed to Station Agent booths for reference inside BART stations.
LightHouse’s Media and Accessible Design Lab (MAD Lab) is producing and distributing the maps for BART and several other Bay Area transit systems, including Caltrain, SF Muni, and AC Transit. The BART map collection includes tactile maps of every BART station at street, concourse, and platform levels, as well as a BART System Map showing all lines on one page and individual maps for each line.
The maps combine braille and tactile graphics to provide a hands-on way to explore these transit systems, understand station layouts, and build confidence in navigating independently.
“BART is grateful to the MAD Lab team for their work in expanding access to tactile transit information and assisting BART in its mission to make transit more accessible for everyone,” said Ryan Greene-Roesel, Director of Customer Access and Accessibility.
The maps are free through October 2026, thanks to Caltrans FTA 5310 grant funding. Beginning in November, they will continue to be available for purchase through the LightHouse Adaptations Store. The tactile maps are available to individuals who are blind or low vision, orientation and mobility instructors, educators and service providers, and community partners and agencies. Individuals can request a limited number of station maps, while instructors and other professionals can request additional maps based on need.
Source: BART
