Convo, a Deaf-owned company dedicated to seamless communication, announces a comprehensive pilot program with Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), NJ Transit, and Port Authority of NY/NJ through the Transit Tech Lab. The Transit Tech Lab is a public-private initiative created by the MTA and the Partnership Fund for New York City to make New York transit more accessible, responsive, and efficient. This pilot follows a successful initial Transit Tech Lab proof of concept with the three NY-regional transit agencies. During the pilot, Convo will be introduced on a larger scale to demonstrate how Convo Access, an intuitive QR code system available 24/7 through a simple smartphone scan, can transform how deaf transit riders and employees interact.
The solution enables natural, human connections in transit environments. “It was incredibly gratifying to see Deaf New Yorkers—some of whom have navigated this system their whole lives—finally get answers to long-standing questions and get the assistance they need in their native language. Seeing their reactions was priceless, and I can’t wait to see even more people benefit from this,” said Craig Fogel, Product Manager at Convo.
This modern approach brings instant, on-demand sign language interpretation to transit locations throughout the NY and NJ metropolitan areas. Transit authorities can deploy QR code stickers immediately across their locations, operating on a cost-effective basis without hardware installation.
Initial deployment in the summer of 2024 at Penn Station, Times Square, and Port Authority locations achieved a 94% activation rate, with users reporting enhanced personal connections and more natural interactions with transit staff.
“Convo Access is more than a tool – employees and riders will be able to greet each other and have conversations beyond directions and train times,” said CEO of Convo, Jarrod Musano. “Together with our partners at the MTA, NJ Transit, and Port Authority of NY/NJ, we’re creating a transit system where everyone feels empowered and welcomed.”
“Providing real-time and direct communications between our Deaf or hard-of-hearing customers and our employees is mission critical to all of us here,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “Redesigning our operations for universal access means leveraging all new solutions, including tech innovations that help us enhance and recreate our customers’ experiences while using public transportation. We are excited for all we will learn from this Pilot and look forward to hearing from customers about their experience with Convo Access.”
“This pilot with the MTA, along with the broader testing of the service across the region with the Port Authority and New Jersey Transit, is an exciting step towards improving service for Deaf and hard-of-hearing transit riders. This work is yet another example of how we can use technology to provide New Yorkers with essential government services more effectively and efficiently. We are proud of how Convo and the other companies from last year’s Transit Tech Lab’s Customer Experience challenge are creating a better and more communicative transit system,” said Stacey Matlen, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Partnership for New York City,
“I’m thrilled that deaf and hard-of-hearing MTA riders will now be able to get live American Sign Language translation for customer support services through this pilot. While accessibility tends to bring to mind much-needed elevators and ramps, transforming our transit system through language accessibility improvements is also critical,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “After the successful launch at Penn Station, Times Square, and Port Authority, I’m confident that riders who use ASL to communicate will take advantage of this expanded program.”
Join Us in Celebrating Accessibility
To learn more about this initiative and see it in action, visit our website, access map, or follow us on social media. Together, we’re transforming transit experiences for 70 million Deaf individuals worldwide.
About Convo
Convo is a Deaf-owned company that has transformed lives through conversations for more than fifteen years. Operating in five countries and offering services in ten languages, Convo provides intuitive, on-demand sign language interpreting solutions to ensure every interaction is seamless and impactful.
About the Transit Tech Lab
The Transit Tech Lab (TTL) was launched by the Partnership Fund for New York City in 2018 in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to apply new technology solutions to address critical transit challenges. In 2019, the program expanded to include the NYC Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of NY and NJ. Graduates of the Lab program include Remix, a collaborative digital platform used to redesign bus routes; Runwise, a wireless heating control system helping the MTA and Port Authority reduce excess fuel consumption; and Navilens, whose apps enable visually impaired and limited English proficiency. New Yorkers to better navigate the subway and bus systems.
The TTL is part of the Partnership Fund for New York City’s “Technology in the Public Interest” strategy, which aims to invest in companies and programs that advance the application of new technologies to address urban challenges, including helping government agencies deliver services more effectively. In addition to the TTL, the Partnership Fund operates the Environmental Tech Lab (ETL), established in 2023 in partnership with New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Buildings Tech Lab (BTL), launched in 2024 in collaboration with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
How It Works
📍 Find a Convo Access QR code at participating transit locations.
📲 Scan the QR code with your smartphone
🧑💻 Instantly connect to a live ASL interpreter—24/7
Learn more about Convo Access and its locations, go here.
