Lyft partnered with the National Federation of the Blind and Aptiv to bring Aptiv’s self-driving technology to Lyft’s blind and low vision rider community. These riders will join the over 50,000 rides we have already provided with Aptiv here in Las Vegas.
Over the past two years, Lyft has worked closely with the National Federation of the Blind to ensure rideshare is accessible to our many blind and low vision riders, to increase awareness of blind passengers’ rights, to implement effective and inclusive public policies, and expand transportation options for these communities.
To create a more dynamic, interactive and informative self-driving experience for riders, Lyft worked alongside LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create Braille guides for self-driving riders. These materials include a Braille map of the self-driving route riders will travel on, as well as a diagram of Aptiv’s self-driving vehicle.
“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to provide a level of mobility and independence that blind people have never experienced, enhancing our ability to live the lives we want,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We are pleased to collaborate with Lyft and Aptiv, companies that recognize the importance of incorporating input from the blind so that driving will be accessible to all. This demonstration will allow future blind drivers to experience and begin providing feedback about this technology, paving the way for the development of a nonvisual user interface and other inclusive design elements.”
