Canada 2030 Completed work Reports

What If … the Public Infrastructure Became Smart?

Policy Horizons | Horizons de politiques January 1, 2017

What’s Changing?

The digitization of public infrastructure in Canadian cities could fundamentally change the ways in which we go about our daily lives. The technology supporting self-driving and autonomous personal vehicles is currently being transferred to buses(link is external) used in public transit systems, and may be implemented on a large scale before self-driving cars. The bus stops could themselves be transformed – functionally and visually – to become WiFi and information hubs(link is external), such as the LinkNYC(link is external) system, with highly interactive transit and city maps. The displays are likely to be proximity(link is external) and voice activated, touchless(link is external) and capable of answering complex questions(link is external) and instructions. The transfer of directions from these hubs to a personal wearable device, such as a smart watch or augmented reality glasses(link is external), would be seamless due to an automatic wireless connection between the hub station and the personal electronics of the transit rider. When not in active use the displays could be used for targeted advertising, news feed displays or public announcements.

The 5G wireless network is likely to allow for real-time vehicle-to-infrastructure communication

Because public bus transit is likely to become fully electrified, these hubs at bus stops are also likely to include a type of electric charging station – either wirelessly through integration in the ground(link is external), or through overhead charging stations(link is external) – that are capable of safely ‘topping up’ a bus’ battery during the loading and unloading of passengers. To provide enough electricity, especially in suburban or more remote areas, bus stops could be equipped with 3D solar towers(link is external) or other forms of renewable electricity-generating infrastructure. The smart bus stop could also be equipped with sensors to inform an approaching bus if a pick up would be required or if an ‘out-of-the-way’ bus stop can be avoided and the route optimized.

The introduction of the 5G(link is external) wireless network is likely to allow for real-time vehicle-to-X (vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, etc.) communication, especially in urban downtown cores, which could improve traffic flows and limit the number of accidents. Most traffic lights today are already equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor traffic flows. It is likely that easy-to-do software and hardware upgrades and improved connectivity will allow for better monitoring and calculations of traffic flows. Increasing connectivity of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, through the constant exchange of information with their surroundings, could avoid accidents. The possible use of local delivery drones(link is external) that could complement electric trucks(link is external) would further contribute to improvements to the daily life in the city.

Potential Implications

The implementation of a “smart” city could reduce social inquality. The introduction of more sensors, cameras and increasing connectivity through free public WiFi could raise net social benefit by transforming society into one where everyone is highly connected and less isolated. Social programs(link is external) could be implemented proactively, based on big data collected across the city. Real-time monitoring in the city could lead to more accountability for law enforcement, a possible decline in crime rates and a decrease in law enforcement-related costs.

An electrified autonomous transportation system of connected buses and metro cars could increase the attractiveness and ease of public transit.Coupled with a shift to autonomous cars the demand for parking in urban centers could decline, thereby allowing for repurposing for urban food production or into public attractions such as parks or public places. It is likely that further improvements and changes to the electrical grid would be required as demand and consumption is likely to increase. Consumers could look to other sources of supply such as solar panels, in-home batteries and the use of micro grids, which could further drive the development of alternative and cheaper sources of energy.

A “smart” city could reduce social inequality

Canada could see a wide range of “smart” cities with smart infrastructure highly customized to the size and specific local needs of the city and its population. This could lead to a range of different types of cities and neighbourhoods within these cities, with varying degrees of emphasis on mobility over accessibility, amenities, air and water quality, and sense of security.