Monaco introduces smart bus shelters

Photo caption, from left to right: Roland Rechniewski, Operations Director for the Monegasque Bus Company (CAM), Frédéric Genta, Country Chief Digital Officer, Philippe Baudillon, CEO of Clear Channel France, Serge Telle, Minister of State, Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco, Martin Peronnet, CEO of Monaco Telecom, and Axelle Amalberti Verdino, member of the Council of the Commune - © Government Communication Department – Michael Alesi

Keen to improve services for public transport users in the Principality, incorporate new ways of consuming information outdoors, and develop the “smart city” concept, the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, the Digital Transition Office and Monaco City Hall are currently in the process of replacing traditional street furniture with connected facilities. 

As part of these efforts, the first test smart bus shelter was unveiled on Place d’Armes today, in the presence of Minister of State Serge Telle, Mayor of Monaco Georges Marsan, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Country Chief Digital Officer Frédéric Genta, and Clear Channel France CEO Philippe Baudillon.

“Today we are witnessing the first stage in the development of a smart city. These new bus shelters illustrate the way in which the Government is seeking to engage with users,” said the Minister of State. 

As Marie-Pierre Gramaglia emphasised: “These new shelters are still primarily designed to be used by passengers waiting for their buses, but they also look good and are equipped with high-tech features. They show how our urban street furniture is changing. It needs to be practical and contribute to the creation of a smart city in Monaco.” 

Designed to provide an innovative means of outdoor communication and interactive information, these new shelters developed and installed by Clear Channel will include a number of brand-new, pioneering services for users: 

- smartphone charging points

- a double-sided advertising screen on which institutional information can be displayed

- real-time bus information (CAM screen)

- a 32-inch digital touchscreen giving users access to three levels of services, which will be enhanced over time:

* mobility: information about transport and getting around

* local information: the latest news about the city, information about places of interest

* entertainment: games

- sensors that will provide government departments with a better overview of the urban environment, particularly with respect to air quality and wireless internet quality

- free Wi-Fi hotspots 

Thirty-three of Monaco’s 57 bus shelters will be equipped with this new technology. They will be installed in iconic locations across the Principality and are intended to be true digital reference points at the heart of the city, developing new ways of interacting with users, whether they are residents, tourists or commuters. 

“These bus shelters are the first symbols of Monaco’s smart city and vital platforms for communicating and interacting with the public. They will have a huge impact on the transport experience, quality of life and connectivity in Monaco,” said Frédéric Genta.…/…

In addition to the Prince’s Government, the key stakeholders in this project are Monaco City Hall, Monaco Telecom and Clear Channel, a world leader in the development of smart bus shelters. The company will complete roll-out of the shelters by September 2019.