Blind people taking the train from Brighton will benefit from a new app which will help them navigate the station in a UK first.

Passengers who are blind or partially sighted will be able to use their phone camera to make their way around the station or to a member of staff.
The Argus: Linn Davies guided through the station using the appLinn Davies guided through the station using the app (Image: Govia Thameslink Railway)

The app will connect them to a remote adviser who sees the station through their lens to help tailor the guidance.

The free app called Airam, which can be downloaded on the Apple App and Google Play stores, was selected by Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink.

The Argus: Testing the Aira app at Brighton are (from left) GTR accessibility lead Carl Martin, Linn Davies, David Smith and Iris KepplerTesting the Aira app at Brighton are (from left) GTR accessibility lead Carl Martin, Linn Davies, David Smith and Iris Keppler (Image: Govia Thameslink Railway)

It has been rolled out as part of a trial at four stations across the network, which GTR's accessibility lead Carl Martin said will give passengers "confidence to travel no matter their disability or need for assistance".

The trial has been endorsed by sight loss organisations such as the East Sussex Sight Loss Council.

The Argus: Linn Davies uses a ticket machine with the help of the Aira appLinn Davies uses a ticket machine with the help of the Aira app (Image: Govia Thameslink Railway)

Volunteer and member of the sight loss council Linn Davis, from Brighton, said: “As blind and partially sighted people we rely heavily on public transport to access work and medical and social appointments.

"Having good interconnecting public transport services is therefore vitally important, both to lead fulfilled lives, and to get around smoothly and safely from A to B."

Video: Blind London Sight Loss Council member Amrit Dhaliwal tries out the app at Blackfriars Station

"Using Aira at Brighton station this week highlighted to me what true independence can look like.

"I was very impressed with the way the agent took me to the ticket office and later to a ticket machine and the detail in which they described my environment down to details such as cones on the floor or people coming towards me with suitcases. I can’t wait to use it more on my future travels."