A Brazilian media firm has turned to video conferencing to enhance the safety of bus stops around São Paulo. First spotted by Dave Haynes at Sixteen:Nine, Eletromidia has begun an program that installs Wi-Fi, microphones, speakers, and a large touch display at bus stops that allow lone passengers to have a video call with an Eletromidia employee until their bus arrives. The initiative is particularly designed to enhance the comfort and safety of women who otherwise might feel vulnerable awaiting their bus at night. The video above walks through the program, called Guarded Bus Stop. The video call function is only available at night, with the kiosks turning back to regular digital signage during the day.
“Eletromidia is dedicated to transforming cities. And in this case, that’s exactly what we’re doing,” says Alexandre Guerrero, CEO of Eletromidia. “[Guarded Bus Stop] is an innovative initiative that uses technology to address a major social issue in the daily experience of major urban centers.”
