Digital, distributed and democratic – can UK transportation achieve these ambitious goals?
How far can the transport system go in the UK without addressing the technology that underpins the network? Chacasta Pritlove, UK Transport lead at Google Cloud, has some answers to help solve the complex challenges needed to transform transport in the UK
Transportation – of goods and passengers – across the UK is at a critical tipping point. From post-pandemic recovery to rebalancing accessibility across demographics and geographies, it’s clear that change is essential, and needs to be delivered at pace.
Fortunately, the drive to deliver a seamless, integrated, sustainable transport system is there. Rail reform is underway; National Highways is preparing the third Road Investment Strategy; £7 billion invested in levelling up the bus network. Earlier this Spring DfT launched its Active Travel local authority toolkit to promote sustainable transport alternatives, such as bikes and eScooters. Change is happening today.
The transport network relies on technology that can flex and adapt
But, how far can the transport system go in the UK, in terms of meeting passenger and road user expectations, delivering value for money, and achieving sustainability goals, without addressing the technology that underpins the network?
At Google Cloud, we think we have some of the answers to help solve these complex challenges and help transform transport in the UK. But, as a true Googler, I pose them as questions back to the sector:
Interoperability is essential
Are we the best at understanding and using our data?
The agenda is innovation, modernisation and integration, so the data that underpins the network, and the decisions made on how it operates needs to be more accessible and easier to analyse. This is most important when it comes to ensuring that passengers are centred firmly at the heart of this transport future.
Do we have the best technology infrastructure?
The digitalisation of the transport network relies on technology that can flex and adapt to meet the different requirements of a currently disparate group of transport stakeholders - infrastructure, operator, legislator - at both national and local levels. Interoperability is essential.
Are we creating the best hybrid workplace?
Empowering diverse teams to work together across the distributed UK transport ecosystem is vital to achieve true integration. By enabling collaboration, we will be able to achieve more through our collective knowledge, and move at the pace required to meet ambitious transformation goals.
Do we know our data, systems, and users are secure?
Digitalisation of the transport system relies on security. Our role is to operate critical national infrastructure, so security of our own assets and data is important. However, for our users, this is paramount. There can be no equivocation and a zero-trust policy must underpin all the innovation and efficiency we deliver.
Are we addressing the most important challenges facing our world?
Today, sustainability sits at the centre of all our work in the transport sector - and rightly so. The goals have been set. Unlocking the power of data to drive sustainability is a key element to the challenge; understanding user behaviour is another, and lastly, sustainable procurement makes a significant contribution. As the cleanest cloud, and carbon-neutral since 2007, we understand the challenge, and how to meet it.
By answering these key questions, we start to understand how we can deliver total transformation across the transport sector in the UK.
For further insight into Google Cloud’s role within transport or to discuss any of the questions above, please do get in touch
Chacasta Pritlove is UK Transport lead at Google Cloud
