Data and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the way we design, build, maintain and operate transport networks. They are also key to making transport infrastructure more efficient and effective, more sustainable, more resilient, more accessible and improving the user experience.

But to fully benefit from the opportunities we need to get much better at sharing data, addressing the cyber security risks created by a much more connected system and thinking about ethics, particularly in the context of the rise of AI.

The three Digital & Data sessions tackle these three core areas in each case looking at the big issues and associated opportunities that the phenomenal increase of available data unlocks across the whole of the transport ecosystem. Practical applications of data and AI in transport will run within the Google Prism programme, running alongside the Digital & Data stream.

PILLAR PARTNER

4 March 2025

Session 1 – 14.00-15.15

Breaking down data silos, data sharing and data standardisation

Delving into the challenges and opportunities surrounding data integration, this session looks at the fragmented landscape of transport data, with its disparate sources and formats. The session will make the case that unless we get much better at data sharing we will never realise the transformational potential of data in delivering seamless, efficient, and user-centric transport systems.

Hayden Sutherland, founder, Ideal Interface
Alex Walton, Global Innovation Director, Arcadis
Katherine Williamson, Data, Insight and People Analytics Division, DfT
Miranda Sharp, founder, Metis Digital
Anna Jordan, founder, Alchera Technologies

Session 2 – 15.45-17.00

Achieving robust protection against cyber risks in a data-driven interconnected transport world

The interconnectedness of integrated transport systems presents a complex cybersecurity challenge. Transport requires robust protection against cyber threats across all levels, from data collection and sharing to infrastructure management and passenger safety, while ensuring operators and their suppliers comply with statutory, regulatory and contracted demands.

Chris Kettell, Chief Technologist, TRL Software
Khuram Zubair, cyber expert, WSP
Dr Heather Taylor, Applied Human Sciences Lead, Fraser Nash Consulting

5 March 2025

Session 3 – 15.00-16.00

Accelerating the use of AI in transport

AI applications in integrated transport are increasing at a staggering rate and the government wants more. But key issues need to be overcome from reskilling to how we safeguard privacy and data and avoid perpetuating existing biases and inequalities. The panel will unpick the blockers and enablers to creating trust, transparency and accountability so that AI applications are positively embraced by both client authorities and society.

Thomas Ableman, founder, Freewheeling
Miki Szikszai, CEO, Snapper Services

ALL PROGRAMMES

Digital & Data programme