The City of Saint John is making significant strides in improving transportation accessibility for everyone. In a recent announcement marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the city detailed a series of upgrades designed to make getting around safer and easier, regardless of your mobility level.

Guided by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee and the city’s transportation plan, MoveSJ, these changes target everything from sidewalks to bus services. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the progress being made.

Smarter, Safer Streets and Sidewalks

The city has embedded accessibility into all new construction projects. You will see tangible improvements on the ground, including:

• Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS): These systems are being added whenever signalized intersections are rebuilt. They provide audible and tactile cues for visually impaired pedestrians.
• Better Crosswalks: Signal times are being extended to give everyone enough time to cross safely. Where possible, catch basins are also being removed from crosswalks to eliminate hazards for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
• Tactile Indicators: You’ll notice these textured ground surfaces at priority locations, helping to warn visually impaired individuals of upcoming street crossings.
• Improved Ramps: All new sidewalks now include access ramps and smoother, saw-cut joints for a more comfortable journey.

Upgrades to Public Transit

Saint John Transit is also getting a major accessibility overhaul. With input from the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee Transit Subcommittee, several key initiatives are underway.

The city introduced a new name and brand for Saint John Accessible Transit (SJAT) to better reflect its mission. More importantly, new technology is being rolled out to equip buses with voice and visual automated announcement systems and real-time vehicle tracking. This means you’ll always know which stop is next and when your bus will arrive.

By the Numbers: Real Progress

These policies are delivering measurable results across the city. According to the official city announcement, Saint John has already made significant headway:

• 46 Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS) are now installed citywide.
• 42% of all signalized intersections now feature APS technology.
• 60% of mid-block crosswalks (those with flashing beacons) include APS.
• 5 new on-street accessible parking spaces will be added Uptown in 2026.

The city’s strategic plan aims to have APS at 60% of all signalized intersections by 2032, and it has already achieved two-thirds of that goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Accessible Pedestrian System (APS)?

An APS provides information in non-visual formats, such as audible tones, verbal announcements, and vibrating surfaces, to help pedestrians who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf-blind cross intersections safely.

Who is guiding these accessibility changes in Saint John?

The improvements are guided by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee and MoveSJ, the city’s official Transportation Plan. The committee provides crucial input to ensure the changes meet the needs of residents with disabilities.

Where can I find some of the new APS installations?

Recent upgrades include intersections like Garden Street at City Road, Westmorland Road at McAllister Drive, and Rothesay Avenue at Retail Drive. New crosswalks with flashing beacons and APS have also been added at locations like Charlotte Street at King Street and Main Street at Douglas Street.

Are there more improvements planned for the future?

Yes. The city is committed to its long-term goal of equipping 60% of signalized intersections with APS by 2032. Additionally, five new accessible parking spaces with improved designs are planned for the Uptown area in 2026.