An app that makes catching public transport safer and easier was named the winner of Initiative of the Year at Wednesday night’s Australian Access Awards for 2023.

See Me, developed by Cassie Hames, a software programmer at SAGE Automation, is a fully integrated app that delivers notifications to public transport users when their bus is approaching, and when they are about to reach their destination. See Me was developed to bridge the gap between passengers and drivers who might need assistance catching public transport.

The Australian Access Awards, held at ANZAC House in Perth, recognise both individuals and organisations who deliver exceptional outcomes for Australians living with disability. This year’s awards received a record 122 nominations, before being narrowed down to 67 finalists in October.  

Cassie was able to attend the award night and noted how positive it was to see more attention being paid to accessibility.

“I am so honoured to accept the award, and so proud to have been able to attend alongside people who are making a genuine difference in the lives of people with disability,”

“See Me is designed to increase accessibility for all people because regardless of ability, we should all be able to feel confident and safe when catching public transport,” Cassie said.

A frequent public transport user herself, Cassie’s perspective of navigating public transport informs the development of See Me, as she understands first-hand the need for accessible services. This led her to enter, and be awarded, the Holman Prize in 2022.

See Me bridges the gap for public transport users

See Me allows users to request a pick-up and destination bus stop, notifying them with an alert when their bus is approaching and when they are about to reach their destination.

Bus drivers are simultaneously notified via a dashboard-mounted light box, which flashes in different colours when a passenger using the app has requested a pick-up at an upcoming stop or is about to disembark the bus.

See Me alerts users when their bus is approaching, and notifies the driver that someone is
waiting for the bus at the stop. 

The app is currently being trialled on bus routes in Adelaide and Brisbane, with further trials in discussion.

A member of the Smart Cities and Future Mobility team at SAGE Automation, Cassie has been hands-on with every aspect of See Me and the supporting hardware.

This work, as well as Cassie’s participation in panel discussions and advocacy efforts, have highlighted the importance of incorporating all needs into transport planning, something SAGE is proud to support.

“Cassie is such a passionate advocate for accessibility, and we’re delighted that See Me was awarded Initiative of the Year. The award represents Cassie’s hard work and determination, building something which will make it easier for people with a wide range of needs to catch public transportation.

“Well done Cassie in achieving great recognition for your work on See Me. Much like the feedback from your demonstrations to accessibility organisations across the country, I can’t wait to see the app available on all routes,” said Ashby Martin, National Manager – Smart Cities and Future Mobility at SAGE Automation.

This year marks the third biennial Australian Access Awards, hosted by the Centre for Accessibility Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes accessibility through research, training, and auditing.