Improving Accessibility in Ferry Systems

About This Project

Summary

Washington State Ferries, operates the largest ferry system in the U.S., serving millions of passengers each year, including many who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. However, its outdated communication systems and visual paging technologies create significant accessibility barriers and do not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These challenges not only disrupt the travel experience for passengers but also create operational inefficiencies for staff.

Goals & Objectives

Improve communication, accessibility, and efficiency across Washington State Ferries. • Ride-alongs with d/Deaf passengers • Staff observations to find gaps • Peer research on visual paging • Define 41 system requirements

Results & Impact

Armed with real-world insights and industry best practices, we developed a comprehensive roadmap for Washington State Ferries to transform its visual paging system. This actionable plan provides the milestones, strategies and implementation steps necessary to enhance accessibility.