Audio key fobs for real time bus information

Portsmouth City Council provides audio key fobs to visually impaired residents helping them travel around the city with real time bus information. The audio system is provided in 210 Real Time Bus Information units across Portsmouth. The system provides audio announcements on the following bus timetable information:

which bus stop you are at,
where the next bus is heading towards, and
when the next bus is due to arrive.

Locations

Locations include:

Commercial Road North
Commercial Road South
Cosham Interchange
QA Hospital
The Hard
St Marys Road
Hilsea Lido
Fratton

How to use the React Key Fob

Switching On: On the upper face of the key fob you will find two buttons – one on the left and one on the right. To switch the key fob on – press both buttons at the same time. You’ll hear a double ‘bleep’ from the key fob and the blue LED light will flash twice.

Using: When in the vicinity of an audio enabled display, pressing the button on the left will deliver a location message. Pressing the button on the right-hand side will announce real-time bus information.

Switching Off: The key fob is switched off by pressing both the left and right buttons at the same time. You’ll hear a single ‘bleep’ from the key fob and the LED light will flash once.

When the key fob is switched on (activated) and brought in close proximity (within 3 to 5 meters) of a bus stop that is fitted with an audio enabled Real Time Information screen (pictured above), this will automatically initiate a chime sound from the screen. This chime will be followed by a summary description of where the bus stop is located and which direction of travel the stop serves.

Frequently asked questions

How to apply for a Portsmouth City Council audio fob?

To apply for an audio fob, you will need to provide one of the following:

CVI certificate.
B8 Certificate.
Social services issue a yellow card.
Blind person’s bus pass.

Please scan or take a picture of your entitlement documentation, and send via email to
publictransport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk with an up-to-date contact telephone number.

If you think you are eligible, but don’t have any of the documents, please contact us (link to contact us section below).

If you do not have access to email please ask a family member or friend to send the email and information for you.

You should start your email with ‘Sent on behalf of ‘(your name)’.
You will also need to provide documentation which confirms you live in Portsmouth (such as a council tax bill, housing benefit, rent book, electoral registration or utility bill).

How do the audio fobs work?

When the key fob is switched on and brought in close proximity (within 3 to 5 meters) of a bus stop that is fitted with an audio enabled Real Time Information screen, the screen will chime. This chime will be followed by a screen will chime. This chime will be followed by a summary description of where the bus stop is located and which direction of travel the stop serves along with real time bus information.

What happens if I lose my audio fob?

If you lose your audio fob (or it is damaged), there is a £10 fee to replace it. Contact us to replace your fob. We will also replace any fobs with a technical problem for free.

Contact details for a lost fob are:

email Publictransport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
telephone 02392 829923

What happens if my fob does not work or the battery runs out?

Your key fob will be supplied fitted with a CR 2032 Battery. If the battery has run out you can either replace it yourself, take it to a jewellers or alternatively please contact Portsmouth City Council via the contact details provided:

email Publictransport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
telephone 02392 829923

How can I let the council know if I change address?

If you change your address please contact us:

By phone: 023 9282 9923
By email: publictransport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Or by post:

Concessionary Fares
Portsmouth City Council
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
PO1 2AL

How do I carry the audio fob?

The fob can either be carried in a pocket or handbag, whichever your prefer. To use the fob hold it with the key ring clip nearest to you and the buttons facing upwards.

Hints and tips

To preserved battery life, please ensure that the fob is switched off when not in use.
Remember to hold your key fob with the key ring closest to you and the buttons facing upwards.
Don’t press the buttons continuously as this could delay activation of the messages. When required, press the button once and if the message does not play immediately, wait a few seconds. If it still does not play then press once again.
If the two buttons are pressed together in an attempt to switch off the fob and there is no ‘bleep’ and the LED does not flash once, leave for 10 seconds before trying again.
As with all electrical equipment, do not immerse in water.

To preserved battery life, please ensure that the fob is switched off when not in use.

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Locations

How to use the React Key Fob

Frequently asked questions

Hints and tips

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