18.12.13
Smart technology has ‘huge potential’ for transport – Smarter Travel Forum
Public transport must make better use of smart technology, a new group of companies has urged. The Smarter Travel Forum is formed of the Campaign for Better Transport, Cubic Transportation Systems, Telefónica and Thales.
The forum will explore how the transport sector can work together to promote the sue of emerging smart technology, support government in the delivery of capacity enhancements and develop ways to make better use of infrastructure we already have.
Any new infrastructure must be part of a smart travel vision, the forum states. It is launching a Smarter Travel Manifesto today, which calls for investment in smart technology and for regulatory systems to offer incentives for adoption of this technology.
Stephen Joseph, chief executive at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Smarter travel has huge potential benefits for users, business and the economy. It can make cities work better, making them more attractive to investors and tourists and easier to navigate for residents.
“Investing in new transport infrastructure is important, but investment should be directed to making transport smarter and more intelligent, not just building more of it. Above all, governments need to embed smart travel into their transport strategies and evaluate investment in it against other transport projects.”
Billy D’Arcy, managing director public sector business at Telefónica UK said: “Passenger transport companies have embraced some aspects of digital, but there is still a huge amount of scope to transform the services provided to passengers through technology. With many now wishing to use mobile apps and online sites to do everything from compare prices, plan routes in advance to checking for delays whilst travelling, it’s crucial the underpinning technology is able to support all elements of a passenger’s journey.
“As part of the Smarter Travel Forum, we are calling on the Government to consider the huge benefits of upgrading our transport infrastructure with smart technology, so the UK can be fit for the digital future.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]