Transport for London explores algorithm-powered buses
Capital’s public transport agency seeks market feedback ahead of planned trial
Credit: PA Images
Transport for London is looking for advice from potential suppliers ahead of a possible co-funded trial of a “demand-responsive bus service” powered by algorithms and technology.
TfL has issued a request for feedback from the market with a view to ultimately launching a procurement process for trialling a public bus service that features routes and timetables that are flexible, and dictated by customer demand.
“These types of service have existed in various forms for several decades,” TfL said. “However, in recent years improvements in technology, including vastly improved routing algorithms, have opened up a number of new opportunities which could be used to enhance the availability of public transport for Londoners.”
Related content
- Transport for London looks to data to improve services and cut congestion
- GLA will use computer simulation to help with investment and policy decisions
- TfL releases night tube data for app developers
The potential use of a demand-responsive service could help improve the sustainability of transport in the capital in three key areas, TfL said: “helping to achieve modal shift to public transport in areas where car dependence is greatest; acting as a complement to the existing network and improving affordable access to essential services, employment, education and retail opportunities in areas with lower service coverage; and helping to promote a preference for travel by public transport and active modes amongst those moving into new residential areas”.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback is invited to do so over the next three months. TfL is ultimately hoping to work with one or more suppliers that would be willing to co-fund a trial alongside the transport agency.
Share this page
Tags
Categories
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM READERS
Please login to post a comment or register for a free account.
Related Articles
Computacenter and AWS have, in the last 12 months, both been added to the list of the government’s foremost suppliers
PublicTechnology editor Sam Trendall picks out the big issues that might shape the year ahead. Apart from that one.
The health secretary cited the demands of coronavirus response after being rapped for failing to meet publication deadlines for major contracts. But perusing procurement databases suggests this is...
Engineering heavyweight Atkins wins £360,000 deal
Related Sponsored Articles
OneTrust presents the reasons why your organisation should invest in privacy management - and offers three easy tips for getting started
The remote-first world has seen email being relied on more than ever as a core communication mechanism - but with 93% of IT leaders acknowledging a risk to sensitive data, what steps should be...
One Trust breaks down the modular approach of the new SCCs