Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), the city’s public transport operator, directs passengers with disabilities to its accessibility tools, including route planning, bus-arrival alerts and live information on metro lifts.
For blind and visually impaired passengers, the TMB App offers voice-optimised browsing and compatibility with VoiceOver and TalkBack screen readers. It is available in three languages on Android and iOS, according to TMB’s accessibility tools page.
Live information for bus and metro journeys
The app allows users to set alerts for their usual routes, find nearby stops and stations, and use Barcelona’s journey planner. It also provides real-time information on the status of lifts at each metro station, including the direction of travel and access point.
On buses, TMB says the app can alert passengers when a vehicle is approaching a stop, has stopped, and when its doors are opening or closing. It also includes a driver-alert function.
NaviLens labels at stops and stations
TMB also uses the NaviLens guidance system, which consists of coloured ddTags labels placed across the metro and bus networks. Passengers need the NaviLens app to read them.
- In metro stations, the labels provide guidance intended to support independent and safe travel for visually impaired passengers.
- At bus stops, they provide information about stopping routes and service disruptions.
Passengers can use the TMB App to check their route, nearby stops and metro-lift status before travelling.
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