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68℉Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Requests
To request a new APS installation for an existing traffic signal, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
To raise an APS-related maintenance concern, please call DOT dispatch at 408-794-1900, email Streets.Dispatch@sanjoseca.gov, or file a report on the 311 website.
Maintenance concerns may include audio volume, non-operating buttons, damaged signs, etc.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are a type of pedestrian push button. They provide audible and vibrational cues to tell a person walking or rolling:
- Where in the intersection they are located
- When the “walk” symbol is on
- What street they are crossing
These devices are especially helpful for visually impaired and/or hearing-impaired pedestrians.
Since late 2022, the City of San José Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the installation of new APS push button devices with a touchless feature*. With this feature, people walking or rolling can simply wave their hand near the button to activate it.
*Please note that this is a new element of APS. Not all existing APS buttons have this touchless option.
Watch a short video of an APS button in action.
| Standard Pushbutton | Standard APS Pushbutton | Touchless APS |
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An older, standard pedestrian pushbutton with a placard that reads "Push button for," a walking figure, and an arrow pointing to the intersection. |
A standard APS pushbutton that says "Push button for," a walking figure, and an arrow pointing to the intersection. |
A figure of a hand waving over a touchless APS button.
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APS Statistics & Strategy
The City of San José has nearly 1000 signalized traffic intersections. Our goal is to convert all signals to have APS. This goal aligns with City policies and strategies (Vision Zero and Move San José) to focus on pedestrian safety at signalized intersections.
DOT’s internal policy is to install APS at all new traffic signals and at any existing signalized intersection that is undergoing a major signal upgrade.
With limited funding to reach this goal, DOT has developed a strategy to help prioritize installations as future funds become available.
Factors may include but are not limited to:
- Request from a visually/hearing-impaired community member
- Near notable pedestrian attractors (community centers, parks, schools, etc.)
- VTA bus stops, light rail, and other pedestrian generators
- Incident history and data at signalized intersection
Inventory as of 2/7/2024:
- Signalized intersections with APS: 327
- Signalized intersections without APS: 640