Smart cities in Mexico: is Mérida the next smart city?

Smart cities in Mexico? Using technology’s advances in how cities work is already a reality.

Smart cities are cities where information and communication technologies are used to develop and promote sustainable-development practices that help meet the great challenges of urbanisation.

That way, citizens interact with smart-city ecosystems in various ways, such as using smartphones and mobile devices. But that’s not all.

Smart cities aim to improve quality of life. This is achieved by making energy distribution more efficient, streamlining rubbish collection, reducing traffic congestion and even improving air quality.

Why do we need smart cities? Currently 54% of people worldwide live in cities, and that percentage is expected to rise to 66% by 2050. In that sense, environmental, social and economic sustainability is essential.

Examples of smart cities: Amsterdam and Copenhagen

Amsterdam is an excellent example of a well-connected smart city. The Smart City initiative began in 2009 and includes more than 170 projects. In particular, it shares traffic and transport data, such as apps that connect to the city’s transport systems.

Also, among other initiatives, energy — preferably renewable — is generated within communities, and houses receive water directly from the river and filter it inside their tanks.

On the other hand, Copenhagen is known as one of the smartest cities in the world. Its development of renewable energy and reduction of fossil fuels is a global example.

They have also developed various technologies to make functions such as waste collection, lighting and public transport more efficient.

Smart cities in Mexico

Quality of life in Mérida has increased in recent years. Its modern infrastructure is appealing to investors and new residents seeking calm, safety and top-level services.

Life in Yucatán and living in Mérida has its advantages, and it’s expected that, in the not-too-distant future, it could become a smart city.

A project is under way in the city that includes installing cameras and air-quality and noise sensors.

Implementing this system will help improve quality of life in Mérida, since it will reveal the number of people and vehicles circulating around the markets, detect the presence of greenhouse gases, light levels and noise volumes, and provide a forecast of weather and vehicle traffic.

How does this project affect life in Yucatán? This smart-cities project in Mexico aims to improve urban quality and public services with alerts about high traffic congestion, optimise safety with reinforcement of preventive police units, and other improvements that will make life in Mérida more efficient and sustainable.

Other examples of smart cities in Mexico

In Mexico, other smart cities are Mexico City, Monterrey, Querétaro and Puebla.

In Mexico City, for example, transport has been the great priority. From introducing bicycle use to smart buildings, the proposals aim to reduce car use and use energy efficiently.

Another example is Monterrey. In this city there’s great interest in digitising public administration and in projects that aim to improve lighting and waste removal.

Are you thinking of living in Mérida? Enjoy Mérida’s quality of life and experience the great changes life in Yucatán is going through!

We recommend: How much does it cost to live in Mérida? You’ll be surprised.