DATA POWERS A PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH
Data has long held the key to safer, faster, reliable transport. What does this look like in a world where all users are data gatherers?
Data is the lifeblood of intelligent infrastructure. To truly unlock the potential of the intelligence that data holds, transport and infrastructure leaders must first consider the desired outcomes and the questions they must ask to realise them.
Exploited effectively, information derived from data unlocks opportunities to generate value across the entire transport ecosystem—enabling new and innovative approaches to design, planning, construction, operations and maintenance, and ensuring networks are future-ready.
“Through data, we're now answering questions we couldn't answer three years ago and it's making a big difference.”
Geraint Jones Tunnel and Technology Manager, North & Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent
Emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, 5G connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT)—will continue to enable real time, reliable Big Data collection and the opportunity to converge physical environments with digital technology.
National Highways, for instance, is upgrading its National Traffic Information Service (NTIS) to generate more accurate, real-time traffic information. By migrating operations data into cloud-based infrastructure, developers have created a new digital platform that collates data from multiple sources, including third-party vehicle data and roadside sensors, and provides this directly to LED signs, service websites and data feed apps. It means road users can plan their optimal journeys in seconds, while operations teams and emergency services have the data to manage the networks safely and securely, and proactively make network operations decisions such as speed limits and lane closures.
The adoption of machine learning (ML) and AI technologies is also enabling the NTIS to create a digital twin that can accurately predict road conditions up to 24 hours in advance.
These technologies can have huge benefits for road safety. Real-time journey information can directly reduce traffic jams and the collisions associated with them, while better speed management can reduce the severity of road incidents when they happen. Accurate, reliable data collection also results in better asset management which minimises the need for roadworks, and this in turn means fewer hazards for workers.
The result? More controlled, people-centric networks contributing directly to Vision Zero, a strategy which aims to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on the roads through better design and management of transport networks, as well as changes to human behaviour.
“Digital tools, data intelligence and real-time systems are an enabler for Vision Zero, which will ultimately make our transport networks and journeys more reliable and more safe,” says WSP’s Lawrence.
At Transport Scotland, a real-time data strategy is informing road use to ease congestion and improve public transport links on the motorway network.
Listen to Transport Scotland’s National Operations Manager, Andrew Davidson, talking about how real-time data analytics are being used detect traffic anomalies, enabling a more agile response to live road incidents.
DIGITAL TWINS MODEL FUTURE POSSIBILITY IN TODAY'S INFRASTRUCTURE
One revolutionary application of data in is the development of digital twins—virtual models used to run detailed simulations that can be accelerated to make accurate predictions.
Some sectors have long harnessed the opportunities of this technology. The nuclear sector, for instance, has used digital twins to assist with reactor diagnostics and maintenance, in turn improving safety and maximising asset lifecycle.
Could digital twins be at the heart of future transport infrastructure?
There is widespread consensus among UK transport leaders that digital twins are central to the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure planning and development, as well as the operational accuracy of network management.
At Network Rail, this is already happening. Using a synthetic environment called the Testing, Validation, Verification and Integration Lab, engineers can stress-test new rail signalling systems to ensure they are fit for timetable and customer requirements, consequence-free.
“The synthetic environment for digital signalling systems—which is under development—will allow us to make sure that schemes can actually deliver the outputs in a digital world,” says Andrew Simmons, Network Rail’s Head of Systems Authority. “With a synthetic environment, we could do scheme development in a matter of weeks—at the moment, it takes months and years.”
This synthetic environment will also prove useful in operations, effectively streamlining everyday processes such as training for train drivers and signallers.
The applications of digital twins are exciting—but among some transport leaders there is a sense that their potential to support long-term operations and maintenance across the entire asset lifecycle is, to date, unfulfilled.
Listen to Rakesh Gaur, TfL’s Head of Engineering, explain:
“With personalised technology we are now able to experience transport through the lens of the person using the infrastructure. That’s where we really start to see how human-centric data can provide realistic intelligence. Only then, using Digital Twins to model and test the scenarios, will we truly make a human-centred difference.”
A NEW, INCLUSIVE FUTURE TAKES SHAPE
“The pace at which the technology that customers hold in their hands is evolving is fast enabling new opportunities to improve experiences,” says WSP’s Lawrence.
Deployed in unison, these emerging technologies add layers of detail to predictive behaviour modelling, opening a new world of possibility for the future of transport. “With AR and VR, for instance, we can augment reality to ensure transport assets are safe and inclusive for all —the colour blind, the elderly, the neuro-diverse,” she says.
Three ways data is powering a people-first approach to transport:
Louise Lawrence Head of Intelligent Transport Services, WSP
1. Enabling inclusive and accessible design which puts people front and centre
2. Generating accurate intelligence to improve the safety and reliability of networks
3. Providing real-time information to empower users to optimise their journeys
HUB:
THE ERA OF PEOPLE-CENTRIC TRANSPORT
The transport sector is on the verge of unprecedented opportunity. How can it become more responsive to the ever-changing demands of a consumer-driven market?
SECTION 2:
CONNECTIVITY SHAPES PEOPLE-CENTRIC TRANSPORT
Consumer demands are evolving as rapidly as transport technology. How is this affecting the relationship between people and networks?
SECTION 3:
DIGITAL SHOWS THE WAY TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Safety and sustainability are critical focus areas for society. How can today’s transport and infrastructure providers ensure their networks are Future Ready?
PAGES
STAY IN TOUCH
MOVING TO A DIGITAL FUTURE:
DATA POWERS A PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH
Data has long held the key to safer, faster, reliable transport. What does this look like in a world where all users are data gatherers?
Data is the lifeblood of intelligent infrastructure. To truly unlock the potential of the intelligence that data holds, transport and infrastructure leaders must first consider the desired outcomes and the questions they must ask to realise them.
Exploited effectively, information derived from data unlocks opportunities to generate value across the entire transport ecosystem—enabling new and innovative approaches to design, planning, construction, operations and maintenance, and ensuring networks are future-ready.
“Through data, we're now answering questions we couldn't answer three years ago and it's making a big difference.”
Geraint Jones Tunnel and Technology Manager, North & Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent
Emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, 5G connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT)—will continue to enable real time, reliable Big Data collection and the opportunity to converge physical environments with digital technology.
National Highways, for instance, is upgrading its National Traffic Information Service (NTIS) to generate more accurate, real-time traffic information. By migrating operations data into cloud-based infrastructure, developers have created a new digital platform that collates data from multiple sources, including third-party vehicle data and roadside sensors, and provides this directly to LED signs, service websites and data feed apps. It means road users can plan their optimal journeys in seconds, while operations teams and emergency services have the data to manage the networks safely and securely, and proactively make network operations decisions such as speed limits and lane closures.
The adoption of machine learning (ML) and AI technologies is also enabling the NTIS to create a digital twin that can accurately predict road conditions up to 24 hours in advance.
These technologies can have huge benefits for road safety. Real-time journey information can directly reduce traffic jams and the collisions associated with them, while better speed management can reduce the severity of road incidents when they happen. Accurate, reliable data collection also results in better asset management which minimises the need for roadworks, and this in turn means fewer hazards for workers.
The result? More controlled, people-centric networks contributing directly to Vision Zero, a strategy which aims to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on the roads through better design and management of transport networks, as well as changes to human behaviour.
“Digital tools, data intelligence and real-time systems are an enabler for Vision Zero, which will ultimately make our transport networks and journeys more reliable and more safe,” says WSP’s Lawrence.
At Transport Scotland, a real-time data strategy is informing road use to ease congestion and improve public transport links on the motorway network.
Listen to Transport Scotland’s National Operations Manager, Andrew Davidson, talking about how real-time data analytics are being used detect traffic anomalies, enabling a more agile response to live road incidents.
DIGITAL TWINS MODEL FUTURE POSSIBILITY IN TODAY'S INFRASTRUCTURE
One revolutionary application of data in is the development of digital twins—virtual models used to run detailed simulations that can be accelerated to make accurate predictions.
Some sectors have long harnessed the opportunities of this technology. The nuclear sector, for instance, has used digital twins to assist with reactor diagnostics and maintenance, in turn improving safety and maximising asset lifecycle.
Could digital twins be at the heart of future transport infrastructure?
There is widespread consensus among UK transport leaders that digital twins are central to the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure planning and development, as well as the operational accuracy of network management.
At Network Rail, this is already happening. Using a synthetic environment called the Testing, Validation, Verification and Integration Lab, engineers can stress-test new rail signalling systems to ensure they are fit for timetable and customer requirements, consequence-free.
“The synthetic environment for digital signalling systems—which is under development—will allow us to make sure that schemes can actually deliver the outputs in a digital world,” says Andrew Simmons, Network Rail’s Head of Systems Authority. “With a synthetic environment, we could do scheme development in a matter of weeks—at the moment, it takes months and years.”
This synthetic environment will also prove useful in operations, effectively streamlining everyday processes such as training for train drivers and signallers.
The applications of digital twins are exciting—but among some transport leaders there is a sense that their potential to support long-term operations and maintenance across the entire asset lifecycle is, to date, unfulfilled.
Listen to Rakesh Gaur, TfL’s Head of Engineering, explain:
“With personalised technology we are now able to experience transport through the lens of the person using the infrastructure. That’s where we really start to see how human-centric data can provide realistic intelligence. Only then, using Digital Twins to model and test the scenarios, will we truly make a human-centred difference.”
Louise Lawrence Head of Intelligent Transport Services, WSP
A NEW, INCLUSIVE FUTURE TAKES SHAPE
“The pace at which the technology that customers hold in their hands is evolving is fast enabling new opportunities to improve experiences,” says WSP’s Lawrence.
Deployed in unison, these emerging technologies add layers of detail to predictive behaviour modelling, opening a new world of possibility for the future of transport. “With AR and VR, for instance, we can augment reality to ensure transport assets are safe and inclusive for all —the colour blind, the elderly, the neuro-diverse,” she says.
Three ways data is powering a people-first approach to transport:
1. Enabling inclusive and accessible design which puts people front and centre
2. Generating accurate intelligence to improve the safety and reliability of networks
3. Providing real-time information to empower users to optimise their journeys
Read more on how digital twins are shaping the future of station design
HUB:
THE ERA OF PEOPLE-CENTRIC TRANSPORT
The transport sector is on the verge of unprecedented opportunity. How can it become more responsive to the ever-changing demands of a consumer-driven market?
SECTION 2:
PEOPLE CENTRIC TRANSPORT
Consumer demands are evolving as rapidly as transport technology. How is this affecting the relationship between people and networks?
SECTION 3:
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Safety and sustainability are critical focus areas for society. How can today’s transport and infrastructure providers ensure their networks are Future Ready?
PAGES
STAY IN TOUCH
© 2022 WSP