This technological advancement aims to mitigate the risks posed by the large size of buses, which often prevent pedestrians and drivers from clearly seeing approaching vehicles, a common occurrence at crosswalks and near bus stops.
The delegate for Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility has presented this anti-run-over system (EAS), which is already operational on one bus and will be installed on a second vehicle in the coming weeks. The goal is to validate its effectiveness in real conditions after successfully passing closed-circuit tests.
“"We are presenting this system, developed with a group of private companies alongside the EMT, to work on improving road safety in urban transport. In this case, we will enhance pedestrian safety through buses. Many times, they cross without sufficient visibility when the bus stops."
The system operates using sensors that continuously monitor two key areas of the bus: the front and the left side. When a risk situation is detected (such as the simultaneous presence of a pedestrian and an approaching vehicle), visual and acoustic alerts are automatically activated on the exterior of the bus. These signals warn both the pedestrian and the vehicle driver, allowing for timely reaction and preventing potential accidents.
One of the main innovations of the system is its ability to distinguish different levels of risk. It can indicate anything from a potential risk situation, using flashing amber lights, to a more imminent danger with more intense red signals, as well as identifying when no risk exists. All of this occurs without human intervention, ensuring an immediate response and preventing driver distraction.
The technology, developed by the company Citylife, is designed to be universal and features easily recognizable pictograms and signals for pedestrians, allowing its application in any context and across different bus models. This system builds upon a pilot project conducted between 2023 and 2024, in conjunction with the ADAS system, which already demonstrated positive results after its integration into 50 buses in the municipal fleet. That initiative, a pioneer in Europe, was recognized with the Ponle Freno Award from Atresmedia in the category of Innovation and Development in Road Safety.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Madrid City Council and the EMT to improve coexistence between buses, vehicles, and pedestrians in the city.
