A groundbreaking collaboration between data scientists in Liverpool and South Korea is set to revolutionise bus travel in the Liverpool City Region. Researchers are developing a 'digital twin' of the area's transport system, a sophisticated digital replica that will simulate various scenarios, such as route adjustments and fare reductions. This innovative approach aims to enhance service quality, shorten journey times, and encourage more residents to use buses.
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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
Leveraging cutting-edge data modelling techniques and real-time vehicle location data, the digital twin will assist transport leaders in improving regional connectivity, ultimately benefiting the local community and addressing transport inequalities. Currently, about 82% of public transport journeys in the Liverpool City Region are made by bus, underscoring the importance of this network.
The initiative builds on the strong relationship with South Korea’s second city. Last year, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-Joon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster cooperation in digital innovation, smart cities, net zero, clean energy, and health innovation.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, expressed his vision:
"My goal has always been to provide faster, cheaper, safer, and more reliable journeys for everyone travelling across our region. We're already making progress by taking control of our buses, capping fares, and launching the UK's most advanced local trains, which are publicly owned.
"This project is our first step into utilising digital twin technology to improve planning and public services. By collaborating with our partners in South Korea and the University of Liverpool, we're making data-driven decisions to create a world-class, London-style transport system for our residents."
Dr Patrick Ballantyne from the University of Liverpool’s Geographic Data Science Lab shared his excitement:
"This project combines expertise in geographic data science from the University of Liverpool with urban data insights from Pusan National University. The innovation lies in applying Big Data and Scenario Modelling to optimise public transport networks, making them more equitable for Liverpool City Region residents."
Professor Jinuk Hwang of Pusan National University added:
"We're excited to contribute to this innovative project, which represents a significant step towards smarter and more equitable transport systems. Our expertise in transportation planning will be crucial in developing evidence-based strategies to enhance urban mobility in both Busan and Liverpool."
This collaborative project involves the University of Liverpool’s Department of Geography & Planning, the Digital Innovation Facility, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and UK-based technology provider Podaris, in partnership with Pusan National University, Sundosoft Inc, Busan Techno Park, and Busan Metropolitan City.
Funded by the UKRI Innovate UK UK-South Korea Collaborative R&D programme, the project titled ‘Big Data Digital Twin of Mass Transit in Liverpool City Region for Smart, Equitable Mobility’ aims to set new standards in public transport innovation.
This innovative project signifies a major leap towards smarter, more equitable transport systems in the Liverpool City Region. Through international collaboration and advanced technology, the initiative promises to deliver significant improvements in bus journey times and connectivity, ultimately benefiting the community and promoting greater use of public transport.
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