Victorians using major regional and outer-suburban rail hubs will soon have access to a new wayfinding digital tool designed to make navigating stations easier, especially for passengers with accessibility needs.
An Australian-first trial of the GoodMaps app is launching at Bendigo, Geelong and Tarneit Station, three of the busiest stops on the V/Line network. The app already supports around 2.5 million users globally each day, helping people navigate indoor spaces with accessibility and confidence.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Victorian Government and regional rail operator V/Line to improve accessibility and help more passengers travel independently across the state’s public transport system.
A “turn-by-turn” guide through stations
GoodMaps is a free navigation app that helps people move through complex public spaces like train stations.
Using a combination of audio prompts and visual directions, it helps users locate key facilities such as platforms, toilets, customer service counters and coach bays.
The technology functions like an indoor navigation system and offers step-by-step guidance that supports people with vision impairment, mobility challenges or anyone unfamiliar with a station layout.
Why these stations were chosen
The trial is rolling out at Bendigo, Geelong and Tarneit because of their high passenger volumes and their importance within the regional and peri-urban rail network.
Over the next three years, the trial will test how digital wayfinding tools can complement existing station assistance services and improve the overall travel experience.
Staff at each location will continue to be available to provide in-person support, ensuring passengers still have access to traditional assistance alongside the new technology.
Part of a wider accessibility upgrade
The GoodMaps rollout sits within ongoing accessibility improvements across the Victorian rail network, including station upgrades, more accessible trains and expanded support services for passengers with additional needs.
Transport systems in Canada (55,000+ users) and the United Kingdom (2 million users) already use the app, while in the United States (500,000+ users) it supports navigation across airports, museums and other public spaces. The app is available to download for free via the App Store and Google Play.
While public transport can be familiar to regular commuters, large interchanges and regional stations can still present challenges for some passengers. Digital tools like GoodMaps aim to reduce that friction by providing clearer, more immediate guidance in real time.
If successful, the trial could help guide the wider rollout of similar technology across the network and shape a more accessible, user-friendly public transport experience in Victoria.