ST. JOHN’S – Residents of St. John’s will soon be able to access Wi-Fi and way-finding signage, charge their phone or see when the next Metrobus is arriving, all on new touch-screen smart kiosks that are part of the city’s Smart City platform with Bell.
Bell is partnering with Metrobus, St. John’s public transportation system, on a three year pilot project to install five touch-screen kiosks around the city as part of a wider Smart City initiative under development.
Housed in a secure, weatherproof aluminum structure, the Wi-Fi enabled kiosks feature two 140 cm LED touch screens, are accessible, have buttons with braille, and are designed to not obstruct pedestrian flow on sidewalks. Customers may also access Wi-Fi within approximately 70 metres of the kiosk.
“Bell is proud to partner with Metrobus to introduce both residents and visitors to the many benefits that smart kiosks will bring to St. John’s”, said Bell SVP Gary Semplonius, in the news release. “We look forward to our continuing partnership in the months ahead to ensure St. John’s remains at the forefront of deploying Smart City technology.”
The smart kiosks are intended to be self-sustaining by providing new transit advertising revenue for Metrobus.
“This technology will improve and enhance service by providing information to our customers where and when they are looking for it,” added Metrobus GM Judy Powell. “Our partnership with Bell will also begin to establish free Wi-Fi access throughout our kiosk service area.”
