Rome has recently launched an innovative project set to transform the public transportation experience: the Smart Shelter ‘Eterna’.
This cutting-edge solution is part of the Smart Stops Plan promoted by ATAC, the company managing public transportation in Rome, which includes the installation of 435 new shelters and 405 digital totems across all districts of the capital.
The project was developed through the collaboration between Fida, Leonardo (Cyber & Security Solutions Division – Urban Mobility) and IGPDecaux, key partners in developing the integrated technologies featured in the shelter.
Leveraging its expertise in Digital Signage, Fida supplied the interactive monitor integrated into the shelter, designed to make access to information more intuitive and immediate for citizens.
With the launch of ‘Eterna’ and the combined contribution of all partners, Rome takes an important step toward a more connected, accessible and technologically advanced urban mobility system.
Image from: IGPDecaux, “Inauguration of the Eterna bus shelter in Rome”
The Smart Shelter ‘Eterna’: Innovation Serving Mobility
The ‘Eterna’ shelter stands out for its lightweight and innovative design, featuring transparent surfaces that provide protection from weather conditions without compromising visibility. The real innovation, as highlighted by Mayor Gualtieri, lies in its ability to transform waiting for public transport into an active and interactive experience.
Thanks to the touchscreen monitor, users can access a wide range of services: in addition to real-time vehicle arrival times and mobility information, they can receive updates on cultural sites and events across the city, available in both Italian and English. Users can also plan their journeys and communicate directly with ATAC.
A key aspect of the ‘Eterna’ shelter is its commitment to accessibility. Equipped with the Navilens system, the structure is designed to support people with visual impairments, ensuring that everyone can access the information and services provided. In addition, the project includes an anonymized monitoring system for passenger flow detection, contributing to more efficient public transport management.
Image from: IGPDecaux, “Inauguration of the Eterna bus shelter in Rome”
Fida’s Contribution: MYRAL, the Outdoor Interactive Monitor
Together with its partners Leonardo and IGPDecaux, Fida played a key role in this project by introducing MYRAL, the outdoor interactive monitor – a 32’’ LCD display designed to deliver real-time public transportation information.
Key features of MYRAL:
- Interactivity and accessibility
Thanks to touchscreen navigation, users can access updated data in multiple languages, making the experience more intuitive and accessible. - Advanced functionalities
Equipped with a high-resolution camera, MYRAL is able to monitor passenger presence, providing valuable data to improve transport management. In addition, two USB ports allow users to charge mobile devices, making waiting time more productive and comfortable. - Robust and secure design
Featuring a solid aluminum chassis and anti-vandal protective glass, the monitor is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring durability and safety. - Intelligent adaptation
MYRAL includes a sensor that automatically adjusts brightness according to ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility in every situation.
In summary, MYRAL is not just a monitor but an innovative solution that enhances the user experience, making public transport information more accessible and interactive.
A project that continues to transform Roman mobility
The inauguration of the ‘Eterna’ shelter represents a significant shift in the perception and use of public transportation in Rome.
Thanks to the collaboration between Roma Capitale, Leonardo, IGPDecaux and Fida, the city is taking decisive steps toward a more efficient and integrated urban mobility system. The installation of these shelters not only modernizes existing infrastructure but also offers an important opportunity to improve the travel experience for all citizens.
This innovation journey has also received important international recognition. In November 2025, Rome was awarded the Smart City Award at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, one of the world’s leading recognitions dedicated to smart cities. During the same year, the Rome Smart City Lab also joined the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), further strengthening the Capital’s position within the European innovation ecosystem.
These achievements confirm the strength of a strategic vision focused on the digitalization of services, accessibility, and an increasingly citizen-centered approach. In this context, projects such as the Smart “Eterna” shelter represent a concrete contribution to the development of more connected and efficient urban mobility.
Image credits
The images in this document are from:
IGPDecaux – Inauguration of the Eterna bus shelter in Rome
https://www.igpdecaux.it/it/news/inaugurazione-pensilina-eterna-roma
