Ericsson is bringing IoT and M2M technology to the transport industry with a connected bus stop.
The technology, being showcased at UITP Milan, incorporates 3G, LTE or wi-fi small cells to provide both consumer uses and additional transport functionality.
Possible applications could include screens displaying real-time information about bus movements or touch-screens providing access to interactive maps. A CCTV system could also be incorporated for security features.
Transport operators would also gain a new source of revenue from being able to lease the infrastructure to telecom mobile operators.
Connected bus stops could form part of a smart city approach, in which connected technology is used to monitor traffic and pedestrian flows within a city to automatically redirect and optimise them. The Connected Traffic Cloud, also being showcased at the event, aims to enable sharing of real-time traffic and road condition data.
Orvar Hurtig, Head of Industry & Society at Ericsson, says: "Ericsson delivers and operates ICT infrastructure and services for road, rail and public transport based on our leading portfolio of telecommunications solutions and services.
He added: "At UITP, we will demonstrate both concepts and commercial offerings that have the potential to improve public transport for both operators and end users."
Ericsson will also demonstrate its Small Cell as a Service at the event.