Digital kiosks have become a common sight in cities across the country, including Denver, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston. Now, Dallas is considering a plan to install these kiosks in downtown areas to provide free public wifi, broadcast emergency alerts and direct visitors to local attractions and businesses. However, not everyone is in favor of this idea.
Downtown Dallas Inc. CEO Jennifer Scripps has expressed concerns about cluttering sidewalks and the potential for signs to become obsolete over time. She believes that the kiosks will primarily serve as advertising platforms and hinder pedestrian connectivity. On the other hand, city council member Adam Bazaldua supports the idea of digital kiosks as a creative way to generate revenue for the city without relying on increased taxes.
The revenue split between the city and the private company managing the kiosks is expected to benefit both parties. While there are no clear financial benefits yet, concerns about similarity with outdated advertising kiosks already present in Dallas persist. Bazaldua believes that digital and interactive kiosks would be a significant improvement compared to existing ones in the city. Overall, stakeholders continue to debate whether digital kiosks should be installed in downtown Dallas.
Despite some opposition from business groups like Downtown Dallas Inc., it seems likely that digital kiosks will soon become a common feature in downtown areas across the country. The benefits they offer are numerous: free public wifi, emergency alerts, and directions for tourists are all valuable services that can improve the visitor experience while generating additional revenue for cities.
However, it’s important for cities like Dallas to carefully consider their options before making any decisions about installing digital kiosks. They should weigh potential cluttering of sidewalks against potential benefits such as increased foot traffic and improved safety for tourists.
In conclusion, while there may be concerns about cluttering sidewalks or signs becoming obsolete over time, digital kiosks can offer many benefits that make them worth considering for cities looking to improve their visitor experience while generating additional revenue without relying on increased taxes. As such, it’s worth exploring different ways of implementing these devices while keeping in mind their impact on urban areas’ aesthetics and functionality.
