Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced a new hi-tech collaboration between scientists in Liverpool and South Korea.
This collaboration will work to improve bus journey times and connectivity around the region through the creation of a digital twin of the transport system. The twins will accurately model the effects of a number of scenarios to ensure that a better service can be provided for local communities. This work will include route changes and fare reductions with the overall aim of encouraging more people to take the bus.
Digital twins will use state-of-the-art modelling techniques and real-time vehicle location data to reduce transport inequalities, with hundreds of people using the city-region’s bus network every day. Currently, around 82% of public transport journeys in Liverpool city-region are taken by bus.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“My vision has always been to provide faster, cheaper, safer and more reliable journeys for people travelling across the Liverpool City Region. We’re already starting to turn that vision into reality, taking back control of our buses, capping fares and launching the country’s most sophisticated local trains – which, by the way, are publicly owned.
“Before my re-election, I pledged to use cutting-edge digital twin technology to help improve planning and public services across the region. This is our first foray. Working alongside our partners in South Korea and the University of Liverpool, this collaborative new project will help us make better, data-driven decisions to help provide the world-class, London-style transport system our residents deserve.”
The partnership from the combined authority comes after last year’s Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Mayor, building on those strong links and the work being done to promote active co-operation in digital innovation, smart cities, net zero, clean energy, and health.
Professor Jinuk Hwang from the Department of Urban Planning and Engineering at Pusan National University added:
“We are thrilled to be part of this innovative project which marks a significant step towards smarter, more equitable transport systems. Our expertise in transportation planning and analysis will be pivotal in developing evidence-based strategies evidence-based strategies to enhance urban mobility in both Busan, Korea and Liverpool, UK.”
Funding for the project comes as part of the UK Research and Innovation Innovate UK: UK-South Korea Collaborative R&D programme.
Image credit: iStock
