18.06.18
Nexus launches engagement process with mobility providers
Nexus is launching an engagement exercise aimed at extending the reach of public and sustainable transport in the north east of England.
The company provides public transport on behalf of Tyne and Wear local authorities, including owning and operating the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is the “backbone” of the region’s local public transport.
The engagement process will take in companies and experts involved with flexible on-demand transport, aggregator applications, low and zero emission vehicles, and autonomous vehicles, as well as broader transport innovations.
Nexus believes that collaboration with emerging technology and service providers will offer the greatest benefit for new private sector partners and the communities it serves.
An early market engagement invitation has been posted by the company, setting out three objectives: extending the reach of today’s public transport and exploiting spare capacity; contributing to local environmental priorities; and meeting the social and economic needs of the communities.
Mike Scott, head of bus services at Nexus, said that the intention is to be a “test bed” for partnerships and projects that deliver new mobility services, complementing and adding value to existing public transport networks.
“We believe that Tyne and Wear is big enough to provide a meaningful and scalable test bed, but not so big that the effects of investment in transport innovation are hard to identify and isolate.
“Providers we have spoken with so far recognise that through a collaborative approach to delivery with a local transport authority, the benefits of innovation can be maximised and the risks minimised,” he added.
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