A Seamless Journey Through Seoul’s Intelligent Public Transit System

...and how Favoriot can play a role.

On my recent trip to the World Smart Cities Expo in South Korea, I was deeply impressed by their public transportation system. South Korea has truly embraced the concept of a smart, citizen-centric city.

Their intelligent and integrated public transportation system is a remarkable example of how technology can enhance daily life and solve everyday challenges.

As I stood at a bus stop, staring at the digital monitor showing bus schedules, weather, air quality, and even the next bus's arrival time, I couldn’t help but compare it to our system back in Malaysia.

In Seoul, everything is interconnected. The buses and subways are seamlessly linked, making it incredibly easy to move around the city.

I have been using the KakaoMap mobile app to plan my journey. This app has all the features one could hope for when navigating a bustling city. It provides real-time information about bus and train schedules and shows walking distances between locations.

The most impressive feature? The app even tells you how many seats are available on the bus you’re waiting for.

I couldn’t help but think, “Why don’t we have this level of convenience in Kuala Lumpur?”

As I stood there, watching the minutes tick down on the bus monitor, I thought about the benefits of real-time updates like this. Imagine standing at a bus stop in the rain, unsure when the bus will arrive.

In Kuala Lumpur, many bus stops need more real-time information, leaving passengers guessing. Here in Seoul, the technology gives passengers peace of mind. You know exactly when the bus will arrive and how crowded it will be—no more guessing or anxiety.

As the bus approached, I glanced at the app again. It showed that there were still seats available.

The bus pulled up on time, and I tapped my Tmoney card to pay as I got on. This card is another great example of convenience in South Korea. You can use it not only for public transportation – buses and subways – but also for purchases in convenience stores.

It’s a truly integrated payment system that further streamlines daily life in the city.

Sitting on the bus, I noticed how smooth the ride was. The onboard display would show the next stop and estimated arrival time every few minutes, keeping passengers informed.

I thought back to when I’d been on buses in Kuala Lumpur, especially during peak hours, and had no idea how long the journey would take.

If we had something similar in Malaysia, it would completely change how people commute, making public transportation more attractive.

I began thinking about the infrastructure behind this smart transportation system.

It’s not just about installing digital screens or launching a mobile app. It’s about creating an ecosystem where data from different modes of transport – subways, buses, taxis – are integrated into one unified system.

In Seoul, I noticed that every part of the transportation system seemed to communicate with each other. Whether on a subway or a bus, the information is consistent and accessible.

This kind of integration is what makes a city truly smart. It’s not just about fancy technology or big infrastructure projects; it’s about making everyday life more efficient and convenient for its citizens. Seoul’s transportation system has achieved that.

The air quality display was another feature that caught my attention. South Korea’s commitment to ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for its people extends even to real-time air quality monitoring.

Sitting on the bus, I thought about how this feature could benefit our cities. Imagine having this in Kuala Lumpur, where haze and pollution are frequent concerns.

Real-time air quality updates could help people make informed decisions about their day.

When I got off the bus, I was already thinking about how this smart transportation model could be adapted for Kuala Lumpur.

Could we create a similar experience for our commuters?

Could we have real-time bus and train schedules displayed at every stop, with integrated payment systems like the Tmoney card?

As I walked to my next destination, I couldn’t stop thinking about the future of public transportation.

In Malaysia, we often talk about upgrading our infrastructure, but we sometimes overlook the smaller yet equally important aspects—like how easy it is for people to plan their daily commute.

In South Korea, it’s clear that they’ve thought through every detail. From real-time updates to integrated payment systems, they’ve created a public transportation network that prioritizes people's needs.

Reflecting on this, I realized that smart transportation is not just about technology—it’s about creating a better experience for everyone. It’s about reducing uncertainty, saving time, and making city life more convenient and enjoyable.

South Korea has shown me what’s possible when technology is used thoughtfully in the service of its citizens.

As I made my way to my final destination, I kept thinking: This is what we need—a reliable, connected, and easy-to-use transportation system where the buses and trains not only get you from point A to point B but also provide a seamless, stress-free experience.

Can we bring this kind of intelligent transportation to Kuala Lumpur now? Do we have the capacity to create a similarly connected system that benefits everyone?

If South Korea can do it, I believe we can too.

It’s just a matter of prioritizing the right solutions and ensuring we focus on what matters most:?the people who use these systems daily.

Imagine how Favoriot can help to build Smart Transportation:

FAVORIOT can play a significant role in collecting and managing smart transportation data in a way that mirrors what you saw in South Korea. By leveraging IoT technology, FAVORIOT could help Kuala Lumpur build an interconnected transportation system with real-time data integration, ensuring that buses, trains, and other modes of transport share critical information.

For example, smart sensors could be placed on buses, trains, and at stops to collect data on:

1. Real-Time Schedules and Bus Arrivals: FAVORIOT can enable systems that provide up-to-the-minute bus or train arrival times through connected displays at bus stops, similar to the monitors in Seoul. The system would gather real-time data from GPS-enabled devices on buses and trains and share this information with commuters.
2. Passenger Counting and Availability: Sensors onboard vehicles could track the number of passengers, providing apps with data on seat availability. This would help commuters decide whether to wait for the next bus or train.
3. Air Quality Monitoring: FAVORIOT can integrate air quality sensors throughout the city and transportation network, much like the displays in South Korea. This would provide real-time updates to commuters, allowing them to make informed decisions, especially during high pollution or haze periods.
4. Data Integration for Planning and Efficiency: By gathering and analyzing data from different transport modes, FAVORIOT could assist city planners in optimizing routes, reducing congestion, and improving overall public transport efficiency. This would benefit commuters and the environment, reducing travel time and emissions.

FAVORIOT's platform can serve as the backbone for this smart transportation ecosystem, creating a connected and efficient system that reduces commuter uncertainty and improves the overall travel experience.