Several Brazilian cities are being equipped with connected bus stops, which help women feel safer in the evening and at night, in a country where violence remains very high.
Outdoor advertising giant in Brazil, Eletromidia is developing a very beneficial project, called “Abrigo Amigo” (friendly refuge, in French), intended to reduce the feeling of insecurity of people, particularly women, who use bus stops. The company is now increasing the number of stops equipped with its connected technology to 100 in the country.
A screen that acts as a companion to protect travelers until their bus arrives
But what does the Abrigo Amigo initiative actually consist of? The idea is to equip as many bus stops as possible with digital advertising shelters. Equipped with microphones and night vision cameras, they allow video exchanges during the night.
From 8 p.m. and until 5 a.m., the screen allows passengers to connect to the company’s call center. As soon as the digital screen sensor identifies the presence of a single person, a small audio message with video call option is displayed.
By touching the screen, the passenger immediately connects with a specialized operator, who will accompany her until her bus arrives. It is only once the woman boards the bus that the call ends, and then returns to the usual programming. Note that during the day, the screen displays normal advertisements.
An initiative that deserves to be known, and deployed elsewhere
The project, also known by its English name “Guarded Bus Stop”, was awarded a Golden Lion in Cannes, during an international festival dedicated to creativity. Here are now Eletromidia’s digital screens present in the streets of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Campinas, with the ambition to go well beyond, thanks to the support of prestigious partners (like Santander and Vivo) and local authorities .
The deployment of other sites will be done on request, and it should be noted that if the project was initially designed for women, it is by extension intended for everyone. “ We understand that feelings of vulnerability can occur regardless of gender. The objective is therefore to help people who find themselves alone at deserted stops and to offer them company until the bus arrives. », Explains the company.
Women will inevitably be the first beneficiaries, with 68% of them not feeling safe at night in Brazil. In any case, this is an innovative initiative which shows us how technology can serve the safety and well-being of travelers in urban environments, which unfortunately are not always very reassuring.
Source : Electromidia
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