TOYOTA CITY: Toyota is launching a Restroom Finder app in Japan to help disabled drivers find restrooms.
The app, which works in conjunction with the Toyota T-Connect and Lexus G-Link telematics systems, lets users search for special needs restrooms located in rest areas on highways and public roads.
Restroom Finder provides detailed information about facilities, such as ease of access to the restrooms, and covers a wide variety of service areas, including Toyota's own Welcab Stations2.
At present, the app offers information for three prefectures in the Tokai region - Aichi, Gifu and Mie. It also provides route guidance to facilities fitting the parameters within these regions.
The app can filter search results by facility type or user needs, including location of handrails or presence of care beds, diaper-changing tables, and ostomate facilities. Users can view detailed information on facilities that fit the search parameters and set them as destinations. In addition, even if a destination has already been set in the initial navigation screen, facilities can be added as en route stops or as additional destinations.
The non-profit Iseshima Barrier Free Tour Center supervised development of this app, which will be available from May 21.
