Smart transport systems in smart cities

With technology progressing faster than most people can keep up, there's one thing we can all agree on: It's drastically improved our lives.

From Smartphones and Smart TV's to Smart vehicles, as technology expands, so does it's ability. In this article, we look at the revolutionary system we call the Smart City, and how its destined to further improve everyday living.

What is a smart city?

A smart city is a complex framework that uses a myriad of technological systems to create a complex and intelligent network, all working together to improve our everyday lives.

From optimizing infrastructure to improving energy consumption, Smart Cities are the future and how our society can become one that not just grows, but sustains.

Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, this is no longer science-fiction, but a growing reality.

How Smart Cities use technology and other systems

In smart cities, technology can provide information that improves the quality of life (based on data from various sensors, computers, smartphones, drones and other devices) to inform citizens about the availability of public transport or counteracting pollution or noise.

According to Thales, "Communities can improve energy distribution, streamline trash collection, decrease traffic congestion, and improve air quality with help from the IoT."

Smart cities improving transportation and thus service delivery

There are many ways in which new technology is being used to improve transport systems in smart cities. For instance, energy saved by installing smart street lights can be redirected and reused.

Citizens can also become involved in making smart cities better by submitting information to municipalities, for example, by sending details about potholes so their repairs can be prioritised.

This kind of technology will certainly make a big difference to service delivery in South Africa.

Find out more about smart cities in this podcast from the BBC.

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