Belo Horizonte launches video‑call bus shelters to boost night safety

The municipal government of Belo Horizonte has begun installing 100 bus shelters equipped with video‑call technology, branded as Abrigo Amigo, to improve passenger safety during night hours. The service operates daily from 20:00 to 05:00 and connects users to a team of 30 trained female attendants via a button‑activated video link. No personal identification is required, allowing anonymous assistance for women and other vulnerable passengers.

Abrigo Amigo is a public‑private partnership involving the telecom company Claro and the firm Eletromidia. Each shelter includes high‑speed internet, 5G connectivity, night‑vision cameras, microphones, speakers and a screen that also displays real‑time bus arrival information through the Próxima Parada system, which will be installed at 400 stops, with both technologies combined at the 100 Abrigo Amigo locations. The first shelter opened on Avenida Afonso Pena in the city centre, with plans to expand to all regional areas by the end of the month. Accessibility features such as Braille signage and Libras (sign language) interpretation are also provided.