Adults in Toronto with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) will be able to use public transit more independently through a new app called Discover My Route. The app provides trip planning, real-time arrival information, and GPS-style step-by-step directions including “Get Off Notifications” that let the rider know when their stop is coming. Customized to meet each person’s needs, this app will enable people with an IDD to take transit with greater ease and confidence.

To develop this solution, Moovit, a leading Mobility as a Service (MaaS) provider and the #1 public transit app in the world, partnered with a number of Greater Toronto Area organizations that support children, youth and adults with an intellectual or developmental disability. The app is part of a broader public transit training program for people with an IDD in Toronto. The 18-month pilot program includes in-class instruction to teach safety and transit skills and one-on-one field training to learn a transit route of the participant’s choice. The smartphone app, powered by Moovit, was created to help participants with their training and help coach them during their travels.    

“Moovit is passionate about making public transit accessible for all,” said Moovit VP of Worldwide Sales Frank Kopas. “We’re excited to work with the great team at Community Living Toronto to provide Moovit’s simple-to-use technology for people with an IDD. Discover My Route will help thousands of individuals gain self-confidence to ride public transit, allowing them greater opportunities to participate in their community.”

“Discover My Route will open an exciting world of opportunities for adults with an intellectual disability in Toronto,” said Community Living Toronto Director of Resource Development and Marketing Angela Bradley. “Thanks to funding through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services in the province of Ontario, and the hard work of the Moovit team to develop this custom app, we are delighted we can make a difference in Toronto.”

“Greater freedom and the confidence to get around in their communities is key to helping people with disabilities lead full lives. Through partners like Community Living Toronto, we support innovative and creative solutions that create new possibilities for people with disabilities and their families,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

After completion of the pilot on March 31, 2019, Discover My Route will be offered by a number of Developmental Services agencies.

For more information click here: www.discovermyroute.com