The council last night voted unanimously to ask for its staff to investigate the concept, and to discuss the viability of installing plug-in and wireless charging points within city bus stops and at Adelaide Railway Station with the State Government.

Public charging stations generally consist of a number of cords emanating from a pillar or wall that can charge various devices.

North Ward councillor Sue Clearihan told last night’s council meeting that charging points for mobile devices were a matter of “basic infrastructure for the city”.

Clearihan said that during a recent visit to New York City she observed public spaces “packed with people who were plugging in” despite very cold weather.

She said installing charging stations across the CBD could help visitors to navigate the city, let friends and family know where they are and to search for events to attend in the city using mobile devices.

“One of the most basic things we can do is … make sure people stay connected and charged up,” she said.

“I see that as basic infrastructure for the city.”

South Ward councillor Phil Martin said the plan was consistent with the council’s “smart city” ambitions and that charging facilities were now common in public spaces around the world.

The council has one charging station operating in the CBD – at the City Library off Rundle Mall.

A council spokesperson said it was installed in 2013 at a cost of about $1000.

The David Jones Food Hall, off Rundle Mall, contains two charging stations.