I’m not a software or a web developer, but I am a relatively new mum. I am seeking to make travelling on public transport easier and convenient for all parents and wheelchair users alike by allowing them to be informed of buggies and wheelchair space in real time as and when needed.
I identified a gap in the market for an App which provides real-time status updates of the occupancy of buggies and wheelchair space on public transport prior to boarding. The Pramlive App is a new and innovative way of providing real-time availability of buggy and wheelchair space capacity on London buses.
Using wireless Parking Spot Sensors that allow real-time detection of the state of occupation of buggies & wheelchair space on Tfl buses; when space becomes vacant, the onboard technology recognises that the buggy has left the designated space and automatically updates information on the app. Members of the public can log into the app to find out if the next bus is already occupied with the full capacity of buggies or wheelchairs prior to boarding. This will save many the inconvenience of waiting for a bus, only to be told to wait for the next one; and allows the commuter to plan alternative means to complete their journey ahead. An experience which I have shared many a time, which I found to be not only frustrating, and an inconvenience, I was rather astounded that a solution had yet to be found.
It’s a niche market however, the target audience will be wheelchair users and parents who are often overlooked when it comes to accessibility on the bus network. Commuters can use the Pramlive app alongside the ‘Bus times live countdown app’ as an additional feature or a separate app to keep constantly informed in real time. I really hope that this is an idea that TfL will back and a solution will bring about more users of the TfL bus service, reduce car congestion and air pollution, and in addition get more parents such as myself out & about without the constant worry of being turned away at the bus stop.