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Breaking through the language barrier

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Categories: Blog

A smiling woman in a hijab operating a tablet.This fall, CATA will launch a new service to help non-and limited- English speaking customers overcome language barriers. Language Line will offer translation and interpretation services in nearly 250 languages, including American Sign Language. With 40 years of expertise, Language Line is a leader in its field.

CATA employees will be trained by Language Line to recognize when language assistance is needed and how to provide immediate help.

For phone translations, employees will connect callers to a Language Line interpreter. In-person assistance will be facilitated through tablets available at all public-facing CATA locations and workstations. These tablets will feature an app that connects customers with translators or ASL professionals.

CATA Customer Experience Manager Margaret Stephens said the main goal of the program is inclusion — so everyone who needs public transportation can use it successfully.

“The people we work with the most face enough barriers,” said Stephens. “Language and communication shouldn’t be among them.”

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This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

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