Accessible Transportation Technologies
Research Initiative

ATTRI Promotional Brochure

What is ATTRI?

The Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) improves the mobility of travelers with disabilities through research, development, and implementation of transformative technologies, applications, or systems for people of all abilities to effectively plan their personal and independent travel.

ATTRI research focuses on the needs of three stakeholder groups—people with disabilities, veterans with disabilities, and older adults.

Transportation Challenges

Transportation is crucial for living in today’s fast-moving society. However, for people with disabilities, including those with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive challenges, inadequate mobility and transportation can hinder them from completing important tasks, such as obtaining employment, commuting to appointments, shopping for groceries, or even attending social events that many take for granted.

During a recent ATTRI stakeholder user needs listening event, the following top transportation barriers were identified:

• A lack of (or inaccessible) signage, maps, landmark identifiers, and announcements
• Navigation difficulties, such as not knowing when to arrive, transfer times, and distance
• Inconsistent accessible pathway infrastructure

The barriers facing persons with disabilities, veterans with disabilities, and older adults are as diverse as that population itself. Addressing transportation barriers, regardless of an individual’s ability, age, or income, remains a top priority for the ATTRI program.

Application Areas

ATTRI focuses on the following four applications to help travelers.

Smart Wayfinding & Navigation Systems

• Wayfinding and navigation systems for indoor and outdoor use
• Wearable technologies
• Community navigators

Pre-Trip Concierge & Virtualization

• Pre-trip and in-route traveler information
• Connected travelers
• Virtual caregiver help for pre-trip planning an on route support

Shared Use, Automation & Robotics

• Assistive and collaborative robotics to enhance mobility
• Ability to plan and execute trips and associated services
• Transformative transportation alternatives

Safe Intersection Crossing

• Intersection crossing assistance for all travelers
• Pedestrians interface with traffic signals, vehicles and nomadic devices
• Guidance, notifications and alerts for optimization

All ATTRI applications will follow established foundational considerations. They include: Standard Accessible Data Platform, Universal Design Standards, Integrated Payment, and Leverage Existing Technologies.

How Can You Support ATTRI?

Get involved now to help shape the future of transportation—not only for communities of disabled persons, but for all travelers.

• Visit our website for more information: http://www.its.dot.gov/research_archives/attri/.
• Stay connected by email updates.
• Participate in our various public meetings and webinars.
• Take advantage of free training offered by the USDOT.