DART Deploys Contactless Kiosk Feature for Public Health

All Dallas-area “Citypost” kiosks have been upgraded to address COVID-19 concerns, with touchless mobile activation of all broadcast content now available at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus and light rail stations.

The system upgrade makes the DART information contactless and viewable from mobile devices through embedded QR code activation. Smart City Media (SCM) managed the feature development to help as DART responded quickly to passengers’ needs — fusing critical transportation services, access to opportunities, and public health preservation.

DART, SCM, and Landmark Infrastructure Partners unveiled the new kiosk network in February with a broader goal of bridging the digital divide by providing information and digital connectivity at mass transit stops. The kiosks, which are interactive alert stations housing smart city technology, provide transit alert data, route and community billboard information, hyperlocal advertisements, and will soon also offer 5G connectivity as well as public Wi-Fi to riders.

SCM’s work for DART in North Texas is a sampling of its wider initiative to broaden government policy forums, enhance digital broadcasts and create opportunities for collaboration and commerce while adhering to six-foot safety zones.

Citypost, which has a presence in 30-plus major U.S. cities, collaborates with local firms and uses Internet of Things technology to provide digital displays in high-traffic areas. SCM is also working in other regions to perfect a variation of the kiosk, which integrates cameras, temperature sensors, and artificial intelligence to expand access to public health screenings. SCM expects organizations to begin deploying public health variations of the kiosk within weeks.