Florence launches ‘Via Blu’ app to support autistic passengers on trams

Florence has introduced a new mobile application designed to help people with autism navigate the city’s tram network with greater confidence and independence.

The app, called “Via Blu”, was presented on 19 March at Palazzo Vecchio as part of the “Binari Blu” project, a collaboration between GEST, the company that operates Florence’s tramway system, and the Association for Autism Florence. The initiative is supported by the municipalities of Florence and nearby Scandicci, a town southwest of the city that is also served by the tram network.

A tool for everyday journeys

The application is available free of charge for smartphones and is intended to guide users through every stage of a tram journey, from planning the route to boarding and reaching the destination.

Its core features are designed to reduce anxiety and uncertainty, which can be significant barriers for people on the autism spectrum when using public transport.

Among the main functions are step-by-step guided routes presented as “social stories”, breaking down the journey into clear and predictable phases. The app also includes sensory previews, helping users prepare for potential stimuli such as noise levels, crowding and lighting conditions.

Additional tools include simple, visually oriented maps and content designed for cognitive accessibility, using icons, images and short texts.

Beyond the app

The digital tool is complemented by a printed visual guide and, for children, a sensory regulation kit intended to help prevent overload during the यात्रा.

According to the city administration, the project reflects a broader effort to make public services more inclusive by taking into account different needs from the outset.

GEST, which manages Florence’s tramway system connecting key areas of the city and suburbs such as Scandicci, described the initiative as part of its ongoing work to improve accessibility and the overall quality of public transport.

Making the city more accessible

Local officials said the app represents a practical step towards reducing what are often described as “invisible barriers” in urban mobility.

For residents and visitors alike, Florence’s tram network is a central part of daily transport, linking the historic centre with residential districts, the airport and neighbouring municipalities. Making it easier to use for people with autism could have a broader impact on access to education, work and social life.

The “Via Blu” app is now available for download, with authorities encouraging families and users to test it and provide feedback as the project develops.

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