While many cities and towns are removing their pay phones, Sao Paulo is retrofitting theirs to provide real-time bus data. This project was implemented not just to benefit commuters and regular bus passengers, but specifically in time for the Red Bull Basement festival.
The pay phones were linked to a smart data system that provides a live feed of vehicle arrival times. This is an apt transformation, given that the Red Bull Basement platform aims to use technology to make cities more accessible and inclusive. In this way, the retrofit pay phones also serve as a promotion for the Brazilian event.
Users simply dial a toll-free phone number to learn when the next bus is scheduled to arrive. The automated system uses geolocation data.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Retrofitting Pay Phones
- Opportunity for cities to repurpose pay phones as smart information kiosks for real-time data delivery.
- Real-time Bus Data
- Advancement in technology enables the provision of accurate and accessible public transportation information.
- Smart Urban Infrastructure
- Integration of technology into existing urban infrastructure to improve city accessibility and inclusivity.
Where This Applies
- Smart City Technology
- Developing innovative solutions to enable cities to become smarter and more efficient.
- Transportation
- Disruptive opportunities in using data and technology to enhance public transportation systems.
- Event Promotion
- Utilizing unique and interactive methods to promote events and engage attendees.
