Vix Technology and Translink were proud to co‑host an accessibility‑focused event in partnership with Angel Eyes NI. The day brought together transport professionals, families, and community members to explore how innovation and empathy can make public transport more inclusive for everyone.
Mayor Cllr Ruairí McHugh joined the event to deliver closing remarks, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to make bus travel accessible for all.
[Image above of Translink bus drivers wearing VR headsets]
The morning focused on building understanding. Translink bus drivers participated in specialist training with Angel Eyes NI, using immersive tools to gain first-hand insight into the challenges faced by passengers with visual impairments.
Sara-Jane McCracken, CEO of Angel Eyes NI, said:
“It was fantastic to partner with Translink and Vix Technology on such an innovative and inclusive event. In the morning, our eye clinician delivered training to 23 Translink drivers using Empatheyes VR, allowing them to experience first-hand what it’s like to live with different eye conditions and to understand the daily challenges that passengers with sight loss can face when travelling.
The afternoon brought everything together, as young people with vision impairment and their families explored Translink’s new accessible technology including audio bus stop announcements, Braille and large print information, and next-stop audio on buses.
This holistic approach, training those behind the wheel and listening directly to those who travel, is what inclusion looks like. It shows how technology and empathy together can make public transport accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone.”
In the afternoon, partially sighted members of Angel Eyes took part in demonstrations of Translink’s Project EPIC - an initiative providing more accessible, real-time bus information across Northern Ireland. The Vix team showed how the new display technology supports visually impaired passengers through features such as text-to-speech functionality, high-contrast screens, and Braille integration.
Vix’s Business Development Director, Matthew Wilks, who led the technical session, said:
“The event was a resounding success, with fantastic engagement from both bus drivers and attendees from the afternoon session. Their feedback and suggestions were invaluable, and we’ll be taking these forward as we continue to develop a more inclusive and accessible transport network for everyone.”
[Image above of Vix, Translink and Angel Eyes NI staff]
Tori Croft, Programme Manager, Translink “It was a privilege to see our teams, partners Vix Technologies and Angel Eyes, as well as the community come together for the Social Value Day in Foyle. This event demonstrated the power of collaboration—combining innovative technology, immersive training, and direct feedback from those with lived experience. The insights and enthusiasm shared by our staff, partners, and young people with visual impairments will continue to shape our journey towards true inclusion and accessible public transport for all.”
Together, this collaboration demonstrates how training, technology, and shared understanding can lead to more inclusive journeys - ensuring every passenger feels informed, confident, and valued.