The City uses accessible pedestrian signals to assist pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. These signals are linked to visual pedestrian signals. They advise people who are blind or visually impaired when they can cross the intersection and in which direction. If pedestrians hear a "cuckoo" sound, they can cross in a north/south direction. A "chirp" means they can cross in an east/west direction. Silence indicates that pedestrians should not start crossing in any direction.
At some signals, the APS operates automatically. At other intersections, a pedestrian push button must be pushed and held for at least three seconds. If the button is not held down for at least three seconds, the audible sound will not be activated even though the walking person display appears.
In addition to the "cuckoo" and "chirp" sounds. Some signals are equipped with a continuous tone called a "locator tone". This tone is emitted from the push buttons to assist pedestrians who are blind and visually impaired, in locating the push buttons. Some push buttons are equipped with a raised arrow that points in the direction of travel. This arrow vibrates when the APS sounds are activated.
To find out more about Accessible Pedestrian Signals, visit the City of Toronto's website.
Your request will be reviewed and studied by an expert advisory group and depending on the outcome of the review, an audible pedestrian signal may or may not be installed. You will be transferred to the appropriate individual that deals with your request.
A request for the installation of an Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) can be sent by email to APS unit or sent through the mail. The request will be placed on a waiting list.