Polara Enterprises (Polara) is proud to introduce its latest innovation in the transportation industry: the Wireless Ped System (WPS). This cutting-edge product is designed to help cities meet Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) requirements, enabling the quick and cost-effective installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at intersections. The WPS makes crosswalks safer for visually impaired pedestrians without requiring extensive construction or major infrastructure changes.
Traditionally, installing APS buttons to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and PROWAG standards would necessitate significant modifications, such as rewiring, trenching, and new pole foundations. The WPS overcomes these challenges by utilizing solar power and secure Bluetooth® technology, eliminating the need for new wiring or changes to existing concrete and asphalt. As a result, cities can now retrofit intersections with APS in just a few hours, transforming what used to be a multi-month project into a quick and efficient installation. This approach minimizes disruptions to traffic flow and existing infrastructure, reducing labor and construction costs by up to 65%.
The WPS provides an innovative, wireless solution that enables traffic engineers to install APS push buttons offering visual, audible, and vibrotactile feedback. These signals communicate the pedestrian signal state, helping visually impaired pedestrians safely align themselves with crosswalks.
“Cities are committed to enhancing accessibility and meeting PROWAG standards, and the WPS is a game-changer in helping them achieve these goals,” said Ryan Macias, Vice President of Applications Engineering at Polara. “With the WPS, transportation departments can make crucial accessibility upgrades in a fraction of the time and cost, creating safer streets for everyone.”
The Wireless Ped System is now available for deployment, offering cities a practical, efficient solution for improving crosswalk accessibility while managing infrastructure costs.