£10m award funds Manchester’s ‘smart city’ talking bus stops

The CityVerve Project has won a £10m Government-led technology competition which includes plans to introduce talking bus stops in Manchester.

The project, aimed at improving services for Manchester residents using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, has been chosen as winner of the £10 million Government funded competition. The CityVerve Project includes plans to introduce talkative bus stops, which let bus operators know when commuters are waiting, and a network of sensors in parks and along commuter routes to encourage people to do more physical activity. The ‘smart’ improvements including adding sensors and data analysis to equipment will help deliver personal, efficient and flexible products and services.

“Inspire others around the world to create smarter cities”

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I’m delighted that the CityVerve Project is the winner of our Internet of Things Cities competition. The Project will bring real benefits to people who live and work across Manchester, one of our Northern Powerhouse cities.

“The UK’s tech sector is renowned for its creativity as well as pioneering research and development. The Manchester project will help the UK to be a world leader in the adoption of Internet of Things technologies and inspire others around the world to create smarter cities.”

Talking bus stops will let operators know when passengers are waiting for a service

CityVerve will trial the talkative bus stops by converting ‘flag and pole’ bus stops into safe places with location-based services, sensors/beacons, mobile apps and intelligent digital signage. Passengers will check-in to their bus stop and let bus operators know they are waiting for their service.

Mike Blackburn, chair of the Greater Manchester LEP, said: “Science and innovation is key to Manchester’s economic future. This project will enable us to be an example for the rest of the country, showing how new technology can aid the delivery of both business growth and public services.”