Filter by Format
Filter by Tag
Blogs
Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) Features
APS technology is constantly improving and new features are being added to help pedestrians with vision and hearing loss get around safely and confidently. Here are some of the main features you should be aware of. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) have come a long way since the first cuckoo-chirp, pedhead-mounted systems appeared in U.S. […]
February 25, 2023 LinkWhat is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS)?
apsAPS provide essential information and safety to pedestrians with disabilities by alerting them to the status of the walk cycle via auditory, visual, and tactile cues.
February 24, 2023 Link2-wire versus 3-wire APS: What’s the difference and which do I need?
Polara offers two versions of APS, each with unique installations and benefits. Here, we explain some of the key differences to help you select the one that’s right for your intersection.
February 24, 2023 LinkRequest An Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS)
Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) are pedestrian signals that are specifically designed to assist people with visual impairments in crossing streets safely. These signals typically include audible tones or verbal messages that indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross the street, as well as tactile or vibrating cues that can be felt by the […]
February 17, 2023 Link
Guides & Accessibility Requirements
PROWAG Crosswalk Requirements
prowagPROWAG is a set of technical specifications developed by the U.S. Access Board to help transportation professionals create accessible routes along public streets. It mandates APS anywhere a pedestrian signal is provided, and is widely expected to become an enforceable standard in 2023.
February 28, 2023 LinkADA Crosswalk Accessibility Requirements
adaThe ADA is a broad civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of everyday life. While it doesn’t offer standards or guidance on APS specifically, it does require agencies to make public facilities, including the pedestrian environment, accessible.
February 27, 2023 LinkMUTCD Crosswalk Accessibility Requirements
mutcdThe MUTCD is a document published by the FHWA that is used by transportation professionals in the U.S. to install and maintain traffic control devices on public roadways. It does not mandate the use of APS, but does provide scoping and technical guidelines for when they are used.
February 27, 2023 LinkMUTCD APS location requirements map
All public infrastructure should be able to accommodate everyone, no matter their age or ability. That’s a belief we hold strongly at Polara, and it also happens to be the law (read our article on the Americans with Disabilities Act here). To achieve the vision of truly accessible transportation networks, cities need to make important […]
February 8, 2023 Link
Case Studies
American Council of the Blind versus the City of New York
New York City has more than 13,000 intersections. The problem is, the vast majority are not accessible to people who are blind or have vision impairments. But that's about to change, after a federal judge ruled that the city must upgrade its signals to audible pedestrian signals (APS) by 2031–a move that will set a new standard for pedestrian accessibility in cities and beyond.
February 27, 2023 Link
Company Updates
Polara Partners with Vance Street Capital
Polara has just partnered with an outstanding and very successful private equity firm called Vance Street Capital. Polara has tremendous growth opportunities ahead of us. This partnership with Vance Street Capital will provide us with their expert advice and capital to allow us to invest in and improve existing processes and accelerate new product development. […]
December 6, 2021 LinkPolara launches PEDAPP®
Polara launches PEDAPP®, a mobile application that acts as a free pedestrian smartphone crossing supplement and a touchless button actuation feature. This app can be used in tandem with the iNS Accessible Pedestrian Signal. Below are the features provided: Allows Visually Impaired and all Pedestrians to actuate button from phone via Bluetooth® wireless technology Available […]
December 20, 2020 LinkPolara announces New Eastern Regional Sales Manager
It is with great pleasure, we announce the addition to our Sales Force, Chris Holloway – Eastern Regional Sales Manager. Chris starts with Polara on Monday, May 18, 2020. Feel free to welcome Chris to the team. Eastern Region Sales Manager Polara Enterprises (404) 307-4906, cholloway@polaraent.com Chris Holloway is a traffic industry veteran who has served […]
May 18, 2020 LinkEnd of Life (EOL) Notice For Polara XAV Series
Dear Polara Customer, We would like to inform you that the XAV2E-LED Push Button Station, and the XAVCU2 Control Board will be discontinued. Polara will continue to accept new orders for these XAV products up until 12/31/2021. Please keep in mind that the lead-times for this product can be up to 8-10 weeks based on […]
February 25, 2020 Link