Yangcheon-gu Operates Cutting-Edge Smart Bus Stop 'Smart Maru'

Creating Safe Air Spaces from Exhaust, Fine Dust, Heatwaves, and Cold Waves... Establishing 12 Advanced ICT Features Including Public Transit Info, Free Public Wi-Fi, Smart HVAC, and Wireless Phone Charging Services

Smart Maru Exterior View

Internal

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) is introducing the cutting-edge bus stop called ‘Smart Maru’ in the areas around Mokdong University Academy and Sinjeong Intersection, where there is a high flow of people, utilizing advanced ICT technology in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution for residents to directly experience in their daily lives.

‘Smart Maru’ combines the pure Korean word ‘Maru,’ meaning our living space and the top of a mountain, with ‘Smart.’ The name signifies a space where residents can safely rest and wait at the pinnacle and concentration of smart technology, the ‘Smart Maru.’

‘Smart Maru’ is equipped with smart heating and cooling systems, automatic UV air purifiers, and protects bus users from exhaust fumes, fine dust, heatwaves, and cold waves. Entry is allowed only after measuring body temperature and confirming normal temperature to prevent symptomatic individuals from entering in advance. Additionally, a multi-recognition thermal imaging camera installed inside issues a warning broadcast if a user is not wearing a mask.

Notably, intelligent CCTVs installed inside and outside the facility display real-time images of buses approaching the stop, allowing users to check bus arrival information at a glance. The AI detects abnormal behavior or emergencies nearby, shares real-time situations with the Yangcheon-gu Integrated Control Center, and ensures the safety of ‘Smart Maru’ through emergency dispatch.

Moreover, key service functions provide essential smart convenience information for residents, such as bus and subway traffic information. Free public Wi-Fi, wired and wireless phone chargers, comfortable chairs, and waiting spaces for wheelchairs and strollers are provided with soothing background music, allowing all visitors to ‘Smart Maru’ to enjoy a pleasant environment with various convenience features.

Furthermore, various systems and devices within ‘Smart Maru,’ including video, doors, digital signage, lighting, and heating and cooling units, are connected to IoT sensors and linked with the Yangcheon-gu Integrated Control Center for 24-hour remote control and management without interruption in any situation.

Yangcheon-gu is actively promoting diverse smart projects through the Seoul Smart Special Zone project to realize the 7th term of the ‘YES Yangcheon NEXT30’ six visions (future city strategy) of ‘SMART Yangcheon, a new level of future city.’ Besides the Smart Maru project, initiatives include a guardian project for disabled parking zones and the nation’s first installation of electric vehicle charging stations using streetlight poles.

Kim Soo-young, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, said, “The newly established ‘Smart Maru’ integrates top-level facilities with cutting-edge ICT technology,” and added, “We will continue to make active efforts to create a smart future city in Yangcheon that residents can directly experience through innovative projects.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.