The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced on May 26 that it has installed and is operating "Smart Shelters" at four bus stops in Songdo International City.
This project was launched to protect citizens' health and safety from climate threats such as fine dust, extreme heat, and severe cold. It also aims to provide tangible smart city services by establishing advanced convenience facilities in areas with high public transportation usage.
The Smart Shelter goes beyond a simple bus stop, offering a comfortable and safe waiting space throughout all seasons with indoor air purifiers, heating and cooling systems, mobile device charging stations, CCTV, and emergency bells. Outside the shelter, additional features such as smart heated benches, a fine dust electronic display, and a passenger waiting notification device have been installed to enhance convenience.
In particular, this shelter has introduced the "Smart Hearing Loop" technology for the first time in Incheon. This system helps people with hearing impairments and the elderly clearly receive bus arrival information through their hearing aids, and is expected to contribute to creating an inclusive smart city environment.
Since August of last year, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority has established these shelters at bus stops with high boarding, alighting, and transfer demand, and with pedestrian walkways at least 2 meters wide. The four locations are Technopark Station, Campus Town Station, Knowledge Information Industrial Complex Station, and near the College of Natural Sciences at Incheon National University.
Yoon Wonseok, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "The Smart Shelter is a symbolic space that responds to the climate crisis and ensures citizen safety," adding, "We will continue to expand smart services in the future."
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