Spotlight on SAGE.

SAGE Group is a proud winner at this year’s international ITS World Congress 2025, where accessibility app See Me was awarded one of the transport industry’s highest honours — an industry award delivered at a global conference.  

Developed by Cassie Hames, the See Me app enables users to hail buses remotely and receive real-time notifications, making transit more convenient and inclusive for all Australians. 

ITS World Congress is a global event that brings together world leaders, decision makers, and their supporting teams from public and private sector transportation agencies to learn about the implementation of new technologies and solutions that will enable a safer, greener, and smarter transportation system. 

The Industry Award is given to a company or research organisation that:  

• Developed and/or deployed a significant innovative product or service  

• Produced a new product and/or service that played a key role in accelerating development and deployment of ITS in its region
• Plays a leading role in the ITS Community.

Pictured: Cassie Hames accepting the Industry Award at ITS World Congress

Cassie has been hands-on with the development of See Me and the supporting hardware, working alongside the wider Smart Cities team on Australian trials. A frequent public transport user herself, Cassie’s perspective on navigating public transport informs the development of See Me, as she understands first-hand the need for accessible services. 

Cassie’s acceptance speech reflected on the first time she was able to hail a bus using the app, and how powerful it felt to be seen.  

“Winning this award is a deeply meaningful moment not just for me, but for everyone who believed in See Me and helped bring it to life. I never imagined that all those years standing at a bus stop, daydreaming of a solution after being left behind by buses, would one day lead me here,” said Cassie. 

The See Me app allows users to hail a bus remotely and then notifies the user when the bus is approaching and when it is about to reach the end destination.   

See Me triggers notifications to the bus driver, either using the bus “bell” system or with a visual notification on a built-in display. With this method, the driver is informed that they need to pull over, and the user is updated via the app with spoken, visual, and haptic notifications.   

The app represents a step towards more accessible and inclusive public transport, with iMOVE Australia, the national centre for transport and smart mobility research and development, helping to support the development and reach of See Me thanks to the Impact Extension Program.    

Cassie hopes that See Me helps highlight the essential role that technology plays in fostering transportation equity.  

“What began as a personal frustration has grown into something that’s now helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered. My hope is that the See Me project demonstrates how considering and including other perspectives can enrich our community and drive innovation in our industry. When we listen to the voices of those most affected, we can create solutions that truly matter,” said Cassie.  

Pictured: Cassie with the award for the See Me app

The See Me app has played a role in advancing ITS deployment across Australia by demonstrating how accessibility-focused solutions can unlock broader transport innovation. See Me has been trialled on bus routes across three states in Australia, which demonstrated the app's adaptability, real-world impact and global potential. 

 "I'm ecstatic to see Cassie representing our team on a global stage. Her dedication and passion for improving Mobility-for-all is undoubtedly resonating with other thought leaders at the summit," said Ashby Martin, Practice Lead - Nukon. 

Listen to Cassie's interview with Paul Hutton on Highways Voices,  No One Left Behind: How Inclusive Tech and Autonomous Shuttles Are Redefining Mobility     

 See Me enables more accessible and inclusive public transport 

The value of incorporating accessibility into public transport extends beyond convenience; it is essential for promoting equity and inclusion.  

Access to public transport means Australians with disabilities can work, study, connect with family, and access healthcare more easily. Currently, up to one in six Australians aged 15 and older with a disability face difficulty using public transport, and around 2.2million report ongoing challenges due to various disabilities. Only 71.3% of Australians with a disability are able to use public transport, compared with 92.5% of commuters without a disability. 

By leveraging smart solutions like See Me, public transport providers can begin to address gaps in service, helping to close the accessibility divide.  

“We’re incredibly proud of the work that Cassie has put into developing the See Me app, as well as advocating for greater accessibility in transport. The See Me App exemplifies how intelligent transport solutions can drive accessibility and inclusion in public transport, easing transport anxiety for commuters of all abilities,” said Paul Markwick, Head of Transport - SAGE Group. 

Recognised for its groundbreaking work in advancing accessibility and inclusive technology, See Me has been honoured with numerous awards in recent years for its contributions to the future of smart mobility and accessibility.

This includes Initiative of the Year at the Australian Access Awards and the Intelligent Mobility Award at the 15th annual ITS Australia awards.