IN a bid to encourage more people to use the public transport, the Penang government has collaborated with the integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company edotco (M) Sdn Bhd to run a ‘Smart Bus Stop’ project in Penang.
Imagine that bus riders can charge their electronic devices using the USB charging pod installed at the smart bus stop. There will also be a CCTV camera and a panic button installed at the smart bus stop to enhance safety.
Other features include rooftop solar panels, WiFi facility, digital directory, digital advertising signage and more.
Two locations – the bus stop in Air Itam (opposite Jalan Masjid Negeri) and another in Lengkok Tenggiri (in Seberang Jaya) – have been identified for the Proof of Concept (PoC) project.
These two bus stops will be installed with the smart features.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the bus stops were identified based on their high bus ridership.
“The two bus stops will be the best indicators to determine if the project is workable. We will consider carrying out the project if there is a positive outcome.
“The objective of this ‘Smart Bus Stop’ project is to encourage public to use public transport in Penang and to provide information to the public on the bus routes and schedule,” said Jagdeep in a press conference today.
edotco Group chief executive officer Suresh Sidhu said the pilot project was expected to complete within three months.
“We hope that the project will pave way for Penang to have a better digital connectivity.
“I would like to thank the state government for giving us this opportunity to implement this concept. We are committed to ensure that the right solutions are in place with regards to growing and expanding connectivity,” Suresh said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian