Skip to main content

UK report says transport innovation at risk due to unshared data

Innovation in transport is at risk because data is not being shared in the sector – according to a new report commissioned by the Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) and using analysis from the Open Data Institute (ODI) and Deloitte. Fears around cyber security, lack of data literacy skills and a legacy of viewing transport modes such as rail and road in isolation are restricting the free flow of information, preventing the UK from unlocking the full potential of its transport network. According to the TSC
April 13, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Innovation in transport is at risk because data is not being shared in the sector – according to a new report commissioned by the 7800 Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) and using analysis from the Open Data Institute (ODI) and 1979 Deloitte.

Fears around cyber security, lack of data literacy skills and a legacy of viewing transport modes such as rail and road in isolation are restricting the free flow of information, preventing the UK from unlocking the full potential of its transport network. According to the TSC, overcoming these barriers could unlock US$17.5 billion (£14billion) of benefits from new innovations by 2025.

Technologies such as driverless cars, journey planning apps and smart ticketing are all identified as opportunities which can be fully exploited with a strong data regime that opens and shares as much data as possible while respecting privacy.  The TSC is calling on government to work closely not only with the Catapult, but industry to develop a data culture by providing a framework for secure access to data and guidelines for opening and sharing data; led by a new Mobility Data Hub to help the public and private sector work together and breakdown the barriers.

The report claims that investment in data could lead to faster journeys, lower emissions, improved regional connections and opportunities for job creation in an emerging technology sector – without the need for massive infrastructure building projects.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • The UK’s busiest crossing adopts free flow charging
    April 30, 2015
    Colin Sowman looks at the transition to free-flow charging on the Dartford Crossing, a notorious congestion blackspot on the UK motorway network. The Dartford Crossing, where London’s orbital M25 motorway crosses the lower reaches of the River Thames 32km (20 miles) to the east of Central London, has long been a major source of congestion. Now, to alleviate the congestion caused by some 50 million crossings per year, the Highways Agency has adopted a free-flow charging system - but the Crossing’s location a
  • MEPs call for action to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion
    December 3, 2015
    Ambitious emissions limits and a timeframe for real-world emissions testing should be set, say MEPs in a resolution on sustainable urban mobility adopted on Wednesday. Reliable public transport, car-sharing as well as ICT-enabled traffic management and working practices would help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Measures to improve conditions for cycling and walking should be taken, they add.
  • More AI and cloud adoption: the future of transport, says new research
    January 21, 2025
    Yunex Traffic's Trend Report 2025 examines real-world examples
  • Improving road safety with better road safety indicators
    January 16, 2013
    A new report from the International Transport Forum, a global transport policy platform with fifty-four member countries, entitled Sharing Road Safety states that governments can more effectively improve road safety by making better use of indicators that reliably quantify the reduction of crashes due to interventions in the road-traffic system. Almost 1.3 million people die in road crashes every year, and between 20 and 50 million are injured. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among youn