A submission in this category should demonstrate use of technologies or digitalisation to assist in the transport planning, running, marketing or monitoring of transport operations and usage.
Previous Winners:
2023: BT: BT’s Active Intelligence & Network Rail transforming UK railways
Transport for London: Smart Stations
Transport for London (TfL), through its Technology and Data department in collaboration with operational frontline colleagues and Virgin Media O2, launched the Smart Stations initiative in January of the previous year. This proof of concept utilises a video analytics platform designed to provide station staff with real-time insights and notifications regarding customer movement and behaviour. The technology leverages existing CCTV images, employing image recognition, artificial intelligence algorithms, and machine learning to identify trends and hazards, alerting staff to potential incidents.
The trial, conducted at Willesden Green station, ran until the end of September 2023, marking the first instance of TfL employing AI and behaviour detection through live CCTV images. Prior to the launch, the delivery team prepared briefing packs and engaged with over 20 customer service supervisors. Additionally, interactive guides were created and made available via the Smart Station SharePoint site, serving as a comprehensive resource for staff.
A fixed iPad was installed adjacent to the main desktop monitor in the office, ensuring that staff received pop-up notifications for alerts generated by the application. The results of the trial included early detection of incidents, enabling staff to monitor situations and respond swiftly when necessary. The system identified over 200 incidents, prompting supervisors to issue public address announcements. Additionally, dashboard alerts informed supervisors when passengers entered non-public areas, facilitating quick assistance. Overall, the system generated over 44,000 alerts, with 25,000 auto-acknowledged and more than 19,000 sent to supervisors. The initiative demonstrated significant effectiveness in maintaining security and facilitating timely responses.
Transport UK London Bus: Embracing Blink’s digital app to build inclusive employee engagement
Bus drivers serve as the public face of Transport UK London Bus, bearing responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of passengers. However, prior to the introduction of a new initiative, drivers often experienced a disconnection from colleagues and their employer. Communication among drivers in the field was limited, relying on in-person updates, notice boards, and unregulated channels, which frequently led to confusion. The challenge was exacerbated by the use of multiple platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and an outdated benefits and payroll system, compelling drivers to use personal phones for work-related communications.
In response to these challenges, Transport UK London Bus implemented Blink, an employee experience application designed to enhance workforce connectivity. Launched in October of the previous year, Blink aims to improve frontline communications and foster a sense of community among nearly 2,800 employees. The initiative has proven to be successful, with drivers now utilising a single app to access news, chat functions, and essential third-party tools, including the Duty Allocation System (DAS) and payslips.
Since its launch, approximately 3,500 employees, predominantly drivers, have registered for the app, resulting in a 92% adoption rate. Of these users, 93% remain active on a monthly basis, with an average of seven app openings each day. The new communication channels have facilitated the exchange of 1,500 to 2,000 chat messages and 1,200 to 2,200 News Feed posts each month, significantly enhancing workplace community and allowing direct access to DAS and payslip information without the need for separate logins. The initiative has streamlined communications and expanded possibilities for HR and Operations teams to share both work-related and non-work-related information.
MTR Elizabeth line: Crew Displacement Management Tool
MTR Elizabeth Line operates the Elizabeth Line in London under a concession from Transport for London. A key innovation in their operations is the Crew Displacement Management Tool (CDMT), recognised as a pioneering development within the UK rail industry. This system has transformed control room operations by replacing a manual, paper-based process with a fully digital, real-time platform. The CDMT serves as a comprehensive digital database that tracks crew members and their locations, facilitating service recovery when trains and crews are displaced due to disruptions.
Developed over an eight-month period, the CDMT went live in November 2022 and has undergone updates in 2023 and 2024. The system receives live data from trains and correlates it with drivers’ contact information, sign-on and off locations, and other operational details. This integration aids controllers in making informed decisions during both normal operations and disruptions.
Key functionalities include driver and unit diagrams, rosters, break requirements, start and finish times, and historical driving data relative to legal limits. Enhancements introduced in March 2023 allow controllers to access live passenger loading data, which is categorised by carriage. This feature enables more efficient capacity management and significantly improves the accuracy of operational information. Furthermore, CDMT is linked to Alstom’s Orbiflow system, providing real-time alerts regarding train faults. The introduction of CDMT has resulted in notable improvements in service recovery and the management of trains awaiting drivers.
Stadler Rail Service UK: Independently Powered Electric Multiple Units for Liverpool City Region
Independently powered electric multiple units (IPEMUs) represent a significant advancement in rail technology, enabling operations on non-electrified lines while allowing transport organisations to expand networks or replace diesel trains without the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades. These units are particularly beneficial in regions where electrification is not planned or is inconsistent.
Stadler and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) are introducing seven IPEMUs as part of a fleet of 53 trains being constructed for the Merseyrail network. The first IPEMU commenced passenger service in October 2023, and three are currently operational. These trains serve the newly opened Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby, marking the first addition to the extended system beyond the existing third-rail electrification.
Engineered as hybrids, the IPEMUs are equipped with batteries that allow them to operate for up to 55 km on a single charge. Charging can occur on electrified sections of the route within 15 minutes. Notably, IPEMUs consume only 20% of the energy compared to equivalent diesel trains. With a light axle load of 17 tonnes when fully loaded, they can traverse most railways.
IPEMUs retain all features of the standard Class 777 EMUs, including interior design, passenger capacity, and accessibility features such as sliding steps for level boarding. The transition from EMU to IPEMU mode is seamless, ensuring smooth ride quality. The introduction of IPEMUs facilitates potential service expansions on Merseyrail and has influenced battery technology specifications for various Stadler projects, including Class 93 locomotives and Class 555 Metro trains.
HITRANS: Sustainable Aviation Test Environment
SATE, an initiative led by the Highlands & Islands Transport Partnership, was established under the UKRI Future Flight Challenge programme and has emerged as a Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Regional Aviation Systems in the UK. This programme aims to facilitate the demonstration of innovative aviation technologies, with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity to support remote and rural communities, improving business resilience, and aligning with the government's aviation decarbonisation strategies. The project encompasses 15 consortium members and operates with a budget of approximately £14.5 million.
To support alternatively-fuelled aircraft, significant physical infrastructure has been established at Kirkwall Airport in Orkney, including a dedicated hangar and electrical outputs for charging electric aircraft, as well as an electrolyser for hydrogen-fuelled aircraft. The first UK flights of a hybrid/electric passenger aircraft occurred in 2021 when Ampaire successfully flew between Wick and Kirkwall, an achievement that involved securing necessary approvals and conducting training for fire services.
Windracers' autonomous aircraft, capable of carrying 100 kg, executed flights within the Orkney Islands, including routes to Wick, Shetland, and smaller islands, providing residents with next-day delivery options for the first time. In 2023, the first tethered test flight of the ARC Aero Systems C-600, the largest vertical take-off UAV in Europe, was conducted at Wick John O’Groats Airport. Hybrid Air Vehicles completed a concept study on the Airlander 10, concluding that it could offer cost-effective, low-emission transport solutions for passenger and freight services to Highland and Island communities. A full business case is currently being developed, with six production slots reserved for the region. Extended flight operations, including hub-and-spoke autonomous cargo networks, are anticipated later this year.
Network Rail: Remote Disconnection Device
As part of its Safer Trackside Working programme, Network Rail has developed the Remote Disconnection Device (RDD), a versatile tool that enhances train detection technology and interfaces with signalling equipment. This device allows a member of staff to remotely hold a signal at danger, thereby providing additional protection for line blocks and improving safety for Network Rail personnel working on railway infrastructure.
When a line block is initiated, the Controller of Site Safety (COSS), Individual Working Alone (IWA), or Person in Charge (PIC) can utilise the RDD to disconnect the protecting signal or signals. This functionality prevents the signaller from inadvertently clearing a signal that safeguards a line block, thereby shifting the responsibility for this additional protection to the individual overseeing the site. The RDD is particularly beneficial for routine or cyclical blockages.
Prior to deploying the RDD, a project must be established, specifying the devices to be activated and deactivated, along with the assigned personnel. This project undergoes verification by two independent planners to ensure accuracy. The RDD is operated remotely by the designated individual in under a second through a secure application, which transmits an SMS message to the device, activating a controlling relay in the signalling interlocking.
Developed in the Wales and Borders region, the RDD has been trialled in Little Mill and Gobowen, receiving positive feedback from signallers. It is set to be introduced across the Wales and Borders route, with 400 units scheduled for installation to cover every planned line block. The RDD is positioned as a practical solution for enhancing safety and is expected to have national significance in the future.
Transport for West Midlands: Transport for West Midlands Drone Network
Transport for West Midlands has established a drone team that demonstrates the efficacy of drones as cost-effective solutions to enhance operational efficiency and aid traffic planners in making informed decisions. Formed in May 2023, the team has successfully conducted 125 missions, encompassing activities such as live-streaming traffic congestion, traffic surveys, and infrastructure assessments.
Previously, specialised drone services were typically provided by external companies, incurring significant costs. The establishment of an in-house drone team has significantly increased awareness of the beneficial applications of drones within the transport sector. For instance, in the Digbeth area, which was experiencing extensive congestion without CCTV coverage, the drone team was deployed to stream live images to the control room. A panoramic view of the area quickly revealed that traffic was being obstructed by vehicles queued for a full car park, blocking a yellow box junction.
The drone has also been utilised to gather data on illegal right turns and to establish baseline evaluations of road traffic prior to major infrastructure works in Birmingham, which will assist in assessing the effectiveness of subsequent traffic management measures. Additionally, live-streaming at Junction 1 of the M5 provided comprehensive visibility of the gyratory and its approaches, enabling traffic engineers to identify congestion causes and optimise traffic signal timings. Consequently, bus journey times have decreased by 13%. The drone's ability to gather data from above road junctions during peak hours has also led to significant cost savings compared to deploying multiple fixed cameras. This aerial imagery can be integrated into artificial intelligence software for further analysis.
Solent Transport: Breeze – The UK's First Multi-City MaaS App
Breeze, officially described as a mobility as a service “super-app,” has been developed for the Solent area to facilitate seamless planning and payment for public transport journeys. Launched in stages since October 2022, the app aims to simplify access to transport services and information, thereby encouraging a shift towards sustainable transport modes and reducing car dependency.
The Solent area, home to approximately 1.5 million residents, faces significant transport challenges due to its rivers, coastlines, and harbours, which channel over 3.2 million daily trips through a limited number of pinch points. The complexity of various bus, ferry, and micromobility operators further exacerbates car dependency in the region. Breeze addresses this issue by offering a unified platform that enables users to plan, book, and pay for a variety of transport options in one location, effectively creating a one-stop solution for public transport.
To date, Breeze has attracted more than 25,000 registered users, with projections suggesting this number could reach nearly 50,000 by mid-2025. To evaluate its impact, the University of Portsmouth has conducted a mixed-methods study, combining quantitative revealed preference surveys with qualitative focus groups. Preliminary findings from 400 Breeze users and 200 non-Breeze users indicate that 48% plan to alter their travel behaviour towards more sustainable alternatives due to Breeze, while 32% believe that the app will enable them to relinquish their personal vehicles.
LNER: Automatic Deer Deterrent System
The increasing deer population has led to a rise in incidents of deer being struck by trains, each occurrence resulting in significant repercussions. In addition to the harm caused to the deer and the distress experienced by the train driver, each incident typically incurs an average delay of 48 minutes and generates an estimated cost of £56,000, excluding delay repay. In eight rail periods of 2022, 37 LNER trains were reported to have struck deer, affecting an additional 140 trains and resulting in a total of 3,329 delay minutes. The cumulative financial impact for LNER exceeded £1 million.
Traditional measures, such as deer whistles mounted on trains and high fencing, have proven ineffective and costly, requiring ongoing maintenance. To address this issue, LNER's engineering and performance teams collaborated with the innovation team, Network Rail, and Innovation Factory to develop an Automatic Deer Deterrent System. This system employs artificial intelligence, TinyML (machine learning), and vision analytics to detect deer approaching the tracks. The software was trained to differentiate deer from other animals and activate alarms and lights to deter them.
Installed in May 2023, the system comprises camera sensors, audible and ultrasonic alarms, flashing lights, Wi-Fi routers, and portable power stations along a one-mile section of the main line. Since its installation, the system has successfully deterred an average of 50 deer per week, totalling over 2,000 to date, with no deer strikes recorded in the area. Prior to installation, there was an average of four strikes during the same timeframe, resulting in savings of 192 delay minutes and £224,000. Following the successful implementation at this site, the system was deployed at another hotspot, Little Bytham, in February 2024, with the last reported strike occurring on 29 January. During the 2023-2024 period before installation at this site, nine strikes had been recorded, indicating a potential for further applications of the technology to deter other animals and prevent issues such as trespassing or cable theft.
Southeastern: Digital Excellence at Southeastern Trains
Southeastern commenced the development of a new accessibility smartphone app for disabled passengers in 2021. This app is designed to serve as a travel companion, enhancing the booking process while providing real-time assistance and guidance for disabled travellers. In collaboration with On Track Retail, Southeastern developed the app using inclusive design principles that cater to all customers, regardless of impairment.
While the app complies with the international standard for digital accessibility, namely the WCAG AA guidelines, it is acknowledged that meeting these standards alone may not guarantee a satisfactory experience for users with visual or cognitive impairments, particularly those who utilise screen readers. To address this, users with genuine accessibility needs were involved at each stage of the design process to validate its functionality.
Key features of the app include the option to save a Disabled Persons’ Railcard, enabling automatic application of discounts on subsequent ticket purchases. Additionally, it facilitates assisted travel booking through the industry-standard Passenger Assist, allowing passengers to book assistance either during ticket purchase or separately, believed to be a first in the rail sector. The app provides enhanced information on accessible facilities at stations, including details on disabled drop-off zones and step-free access.
As of now, the app has been downloaded over half a million times, achieving an 86% satisfaction rating in independent testing and securing a rating above 4 out of 5 in both Google Play and Apple stores. It is also being adopted by neighbouring operators. A report by the ORR in July 2022 highlighted Southeastern's digital services as among the best within the rail sector.
Blackpool Transport & CitySwift – Routes Reimagined with AI Network Design
In January 2024, BT initiated a significant transformation of its bus service through a program titled "Routes Reimagined." This comprehensive overhaul aimed to enhance punctuality, improve customer satisfaction, and generate new commercial opportunities. The necessity for this change arose from financial challenges facing the company, which projected losses for the upcoming financial year. Although punctuality rates stood at 90%, slightly above the national average, customer usage remained concentrated on familiar routes, leaving many services underutilised.
To address these issues, BT employed CitySwift’s AI technology to analyse real-world journey times and recommend further improvements in punctuality. The objective was to establish a data-driven network that surpassed the average national punctuality rate. Routes with shared start and end points were strategically grouped to showcase alternative travel options and promote bus travel, ultimately enhancing service accessibility and efficiency.
Post-implementation data indicated that while some routes experienced a decrease in passenger numbers, others saw increases. Notably, Service 6 recorded a 6% rise in footfall, and Service 5 experienced a 7% increase. Customer satisfaction surveys revealed that 58% of respondents had utilised a different route since the launch of "Routes Reimagined." The application of AI technology contributed to an impressive punctuality rate of 97%. Financially, the initiative generated over £500,000 in savings, primarily through reduced driving hours. The insights gained from the data have equipped the Operations team to identify further improvements within the existing bus network.
