Reflecting on his recent experience as a panellist at the Urban Mobility Partnership Summit, our Head of Digital Strategy, Matt Smallwood, explains that one word seemed to echo throughout the discussions: data.
From ticketing to timetabling, passenger flow to fare calculations, data was hailed as the transformative force, capable of reimagining public transport for a new era.
With a decade’s experience in leading transformation in transport I can affirm that the fervour for data isn’t just hype. Rather, it signifies a fundamental shift in our industry, one that promises to propel us into the future. And if we are to unlock the full potential of this transformation, it is data interoperability that we need to focus on.
Public transport has been the heart and soul of the North of England, and indeed the nation’s whole history, from the advent of the steam engine to cities powered by tramways, for generations, powering our communities and our economy. Yet in a world where technological innovation is reshaping every facet of our lives, it is paramount that our public transport system keeps pace.
Indeed, data and data interoperability represent the bridge between the transport sector of today and the transport sector of tomorrow. These are the tools we need to enhance ticketing, fares, and information provision, paving the way for innovation, better passenger experiences, and smarter network planning.
The wealth of data generated by the transport industry – from timetable schedules to passenger metrics, ticket transactions to service disruptions – often remain confined within organisational silos or disparate systems. The next step in our evolution is to dismantle these barriers and champion data interoperability – enabling the seamless sharing and integration of data across various platforms and systems.
When data is made uniform and interoperable, it becomes a catalyst for technological innovators. By having access to such data, innovators can develop advanced tools and solutions that deliver tangible benefits to passengers. Imagine a single mobile application that integrates all modes of transport – buses, trains, trams, even bike-sharing – providing real-time information, seamless ticketing, and dynamic fare calculations. This would revolutionise the passenger experience and encourage wider usage of public transport, helping us achieve our climate objectives.
Moreover, a uniform and interoperable data approach can revolutionise network planning. Through real-time and historical data analysis, transport planners can identify bottlenecks, predict demand, and optimise routes and schedules. This proactive approach can lead to a more efficient and reliable transport service, benefitting our economy and our communities.
To make this vision a reality, we need to ensure our data is not just collected, but also accessible, accurate, and standardised. This calls for collaboration across the transport industry – uniting transport providers, tech companies, regulators, and passengers. By bringing these sectors together, we can establish ourselves as leaders in transport innovation.
As we stand on the precipice of a new era in public transport, it’s clear that data will play an integral role. By harnessing data interoperability, we can support innovation, deliver superior passenger experiences, and advance our network planning capabilities.
The time has come for us to be proactive, not reactive, and seize the opportunities that data presents to create a transport system that truly meets the demands of the 21st-century passenger.
Read more about our Connected Mobility Strategy.