An accessible, intuitive transit app that helps English second language users and those unfamiliar with complex map systems navigate Seattle buses confidently. Via aims to simplify route discovery, fare assistance, and directions through visual design, iconography, and guided support.

Problem

Existing transit apps rely heavily on text-based navigation and jargon, creating barriers for non-native English speakers and users with limited digital literacy.

 Pain Points

  • Most existing transit apps rely heavily on text, making it difficult for ESL users to interpret instructions, route details, and fare information.

  • Icons, photos, and visual cues are often secondary to text, making quick comprehension hard for non-native speakers.

  • Low-income or international riders often don’t know they qualify for reduced fares or where to apply.

  • Understanding where to board, transfer, or get off is challenging without clear, step-by-step visuals.

Solution

  • UI equipped with the most spoken languages in the the US, allowing for easy switching between languages

  • A UI where each button is icon based allowing those who do not speak or read english to understand what the button does.

  • With a few clicks the user will be told if they qualify for fare assistance. This saves them the hassle of going to another site to check manually. This not only saves them time but likely requires a least some english skill, something that some of these riders aren’t equipped with.

  • A straightforward line visual that tells them the stop they get off or transfer to and the bus they get on. The entire route is displayed, this way they can be prepared to get off when the time comes.

  • Via Homepage

  • Via on Route

  • Map and Directions

    Route With Map

  • Stop Detected Screen

    Stop Detection Assistance

  • Fare Assistance

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