Digi4All

The Digi4All project aims to develop a digital platform that makes barrier-free transfers in public transport easier in the long term. The focus is on the precise digital location of stops and the provision of dynamic real-time information about barrier-free paths, lifts and alternative routes.

The platform is intended not only to provide information, but also to function as an interactive assistance system that takes individual mobility needs into account and generates personalised route suggestions. This will improve inclusion, reduce waiting times and increase the attractiveness of public transport.

Client: BMK – Mobility Transition 2024/2

Duration: 01.09.2025 – 31.08.2028

Project partners: Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, TU Vienna – Institute for Transport Sciences, TU Vienna – Institute for Technical Informatics, Austrian Mobility Associations, netwiss OG

LOI partners: ÖBB Infrastructure, Wiener Linien, Wiener Lokalbahnen, ASFINAG, Austrian Transport Information, ITS Vienna Region.

Project description:

The barrier-free design of transport hubs is crucial for equal mobility. Nevertheless, there are major shortcomings: imprecise digital location of stops, lack of dynamic information on lifts, ramps and alternative routes, lack of integration into existing apps and inadequate barrier-free user interfaces.

With the Accessibility Act (BaFG, 2025) coming into force, pressure is mounting on operators to implement digital accessibility solutions. Digi4All closes this gap with a holistic, multimodal solution.

The project is divided into the following steps

WP1 – Project management: coordination, quality assurance, risk management, sounding board, dissemination.

WP2 – Use cases: Survey and analysis of requirements through workshops, surveys, field studies; development of user profiles and data requirement catalogues.

WP3 – Status analysis: Survey of the current status, comparison with the target status, identification of gaps and need for action.

WP4 – Data collection and acquisition: procurement and processing of static and dynamic infrastructure and operational data, integration of fault data.

WP5 – Data processing: Standardised integration of data into existing systems, sector-specific routing, barrier-free digital travel assistance.

WP6 – Test operation and evaluation: Prototype implementation and empirical testing at transport hubs, iterative optimisation based on user feedback.

WP7 – Economic analysis and implementation recommendations: Analysis of economic and socio-economic effects, creation of specifications, definition of operator models and financing options.

Expected results are:

– Digital platform for accessible, multimodal transfers

– Real-time navigation including information on lift failures and barrier-free routes

– Adaptive, personalised route planning

– Increased independence for people with limited mobility

– More efficient passenger flows, shorter stopping times, better use of existing infrastructure

Precise digital location of stops with sector-specific routing. Integration of dynamic data on accessibility and disruptions. Interactive assistance systems (voice control, haptic feedback, high-contrast displays). Participatory development with diverse user groups. Holistic approach across multiple modes of transport – in contrast to previous isolated solutions. Strengthening independence for passengers with limited mobility. Improved customer satisfaction through shorter waiting times and more efficient transfers. Integration of results into timetable information systems (e.g. VAO).

Contact: DI Dr. Bernhard Rüger