Overview
ISO 37157:2018 - Smart community infrastructures - Smart transportation for compact cities - provides criteria to plan and organize smart transportation systems aimed at regenerating depopulated urban centres. Published by ISO/TC 268 (Sustainable cities and communities), the standard targets cities facing population decline and describes how compact-city design combined with high‑quality transit can attract and retain residents.
Key topics and requirements
The standard sets practical, measurable guidance (not normative references) for designing transit that supports compact cities:
- Compact city definition: facilities and amenities accessible within approximately 1 km radius.
- Service frequency: transit services at least every 10 minutes during rush hour.
- Station/stop spacing: average distance between stops no more than 300 m (with local exemptions).
- Network shape: radial service networks linking target area to surrounding suburbs.
- Vehicle and service characteristics:
- Easy, accessible entry/exit for elderly, children and people with disabilities.
- Comfortable, low-noise/vibration rides; space for bicycles/large items where appropriate.
- Adequate acceleration for short-interval stop performance and dedicated lanes/tracks where possible.
- Environmental and operational performance:
- Promote low-emission vehicles (e.g., battery-powered buses), minimize vibration/noise, and optimize life-cycle performance.
- Energy-saving measures (regenerative braking, optimized schedules, efficient vehicle operation).
- Land use and reuse: support land reuse for urban facilities without adverse chemical/geological impact.
- Information & fare systems: provide clear passenger information (signage, real-time apps, arrival displays) and electronic-based payment integration.
- Maintenance & modification: guidance on maintaining service quality and adapting systems over time.
Applications
ISO 37157:2018 is practical for:
- Designing transit-led redevelopment plans for small downtowns and compact urban cores.
- Specifying service levels and vehicle attributes for local/regional transit agencies.
- Evaluating technology choices (LRT, buses, AGT) for compact-city contexts.
- Integrating mobility, land-use planning and sustainability goals to reverse urban decline.
Keywords: ISO 37157, smart transportation, compact city, compact cities, service frequency, station spacing, light rail transit, AGT, battery-powered buses, electronic payment, energy saving.
Who should use this standard
- City planners and urban designers developing compact-city strategies.
- Public transport authorities and operators assessing service design.
- Mobility planners, sustainable infrastructure consultants, and policy makers focused on urban regeneration.
- Technology providers and vendors proposing transit solutions for compact urban areas.
Related guidance
Developed by ISO/TC 268 SC1; sustainability aspects considered in line with ISO Guide 82. For project-level implementation, combine this standard with local planning codes and transport engineering guidance.
