Featured Post

Mellor Unveils Next-Gen Strata Minibus

By on
Image
Say hello to the all-new Strata – Mellor’s latest showstopper in the small bus world. It’s smarter, more accessible and packed with fresh features to make every journey smoother, greener and comfier. And yes, it’s still built right here in the UK. Mellor Bus Since its debut in 2016, the original Strata has earned its stripes as a reliable workhorse – now it’s back with a vengeance, ready to shake up the sector all over again. If you thought small buses were all the same, think again. Accessibility, meet ambition First up: big wins for accessibility. The reworked rear saloon now has just one step up from the low-floor section (down from two), reducing trip hazards and making things safer for everyone onboard. Passengers also get an extra 100mm of headroom – that’s a whole lot less crouching and a lot more comfort. Mellor Bus The low-floor area’s been stretched by 266mm, making space for four extra seats. In fact, there’s now room for up to twelve seats in the low-floor area alone – p...
Post a Comment

New Hi-Tech Collab Aims to Transform Liverpool Bus Journey Times

By on

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.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

Enhancing Connectivity with Advanced Data Modelling

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.

Building on International Collaboration

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.

Mayor's Vision for a Better Transport System

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."

Academic Insights and Expertise

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."

Collaborative Efforts and Funding

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.

Conclusion: Towards Smarter, Equitable Mobility

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mellor Unveils Next-Gen Strata Minibus

By on
Image
Say hello to the all-new Strata – Mellor’s latest showstopper in the small bus world. It’s smarter, more accessible and packed with fresh features to make every journey smoother, greener and comfier. And yes, it’s still built right here in the UK. Mellor Bus Since its debut in 2016, the original Strata has earned its stripes as a reliable workhorse – now it’s back with a vengeance, ready to shake up the sector all over again. If you thought small buses were all the same, think again. Accessibility, meet ambition First up: big wins for accessibility. The reworked rear saloon now has just one step up from the low-floor section (down from two), reducing trip hazards and making things safer for everyone onboard. Passengers also get an extra 100mm of headroom – that’s a whole lot less crouching and a lot more comfort. Mellor Bus The low-floor area’s been stretched by 266mm, making space for four extra seats. In fact, there’s now room for up to twelve seats in the low-floor area alone – p...
More

LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
Image
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
More