TRANSPORT Smart Class, Wales 2020

“Applying Big Data to Transport Analysis across Wales” – In recent years the availability of ‘big data’ (such as from mobile phones and satnavs) has increased rapidly, while at the same time purchase costs have decreased massively, making it an ideal replacement for more costly and resource intensive data collection. In this opening keynote, Transport for Wales’ Geoff Ogden (Consultancy and Corporate Services Director) and Paul Chase (Strategic Transport Analysis Manager and Analytical Unit lead) will highlight the clear advantages and uses of big data for the new Wales regional transport models being developed by TfW, while at the same time providing an honest appraisal of where big data doesn’t quite give us all the answers at the moment. Geoff and Paul will also discuss the evident tension between real time ‘big data’ and traditionally accepted approaches to transport modelling. TfW is seeking to tackle this tension and to work with its partners to find quicker and easier ways of updating transport models with the latest big datasets. Their aim is to improve the evidence base that underpins transport investment decision-making in Wales.

“Flexible Models for Demand Responsive Transport in Wales” – Flexible and demand responsive transport has been operating across Wales for decades and, with the recent rise of consumer ride sharing tech platforms, there seems to be more opportunities than ever to re-invent demand responsive transport to better connect communities. So why isn’t it happening? In this presentation, Drop a Pin will cover the challenges and opportunities for DRT in Wales, the different models that could work and the steps to take to realise these.

“How to Effectively Manage and Enforce Clean Air and Low Emission Zones with Virtual Permits and Digital ANPR” – A recent UN pollution report found that air in 44 UK cities and towns is too dangerous to breathe and estimated over 40,000 premature deaths per year from road polluted air. Imperial and Videalert demonstrate that the move towards managing air quality needn’t be a giant leap into the unknown and can be achieved by simply utilising proven technologies in a way that will make a very real difference to the quality of life in our cities and towns.

“Revolutionising Data Collection and Traffic Optimisation using AI” – Policies are changing rapidly. Air quality, promoting active travel, and encouraging electric vehicles are all new priorities that transport and highways departments now have to grapple with. However, traditional tools such as induction loops and SCOOT/MOVA optimisations are not well suited to solve these issues. This presentation will explore some of the new capabilities Vivacity is introducing into the market to help authorities address their core policies, including novel traffic signal control algorithms, and sensors which provide ANPR for journey times, classified counts, speeds, queuing, and behaviour patterns – all from one sensor.

“The Air that We Breathe: Enabling Hyper-Local Air Quality Monitoring with Emerging Technologies” – Government and local authorities globally are coming under increasing legislative pressure to better monitor air quality, and to deploy and actively manage ‘clean air zones’ across our cities. By 2050 a huge populations shift will have resulted in 70% of the world’s populations living in urban areas. This seismic shift is driving Smart City initiatives globally. The Independent reported that 44% of UK councils do not have fit-for-purpose air and pollution monitoring capabilities. With a more stringent government Air Quality Plan about to come into force, councils face significant fines if they are not compliant. Welsh tech company Vortex IoT will deliver a thought-provoking view of the importance of the ‘Air that We Breathe’, and explain how emerging technologies and innovation will contribute to our ever-changing societal needs and how developing a new Hyper-Local Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) solution can provide revenue-generating opportunities for local authorities and play a key role in the creation of new urban business models that are essential as the shape of our towns and cities changes over time.

“Smart Cardiff!” – Cardiff is Wales’ strongest economy and (in percentage terms) the fastest growing core city in the UK. Its population is expected to grow exponentially over the next 20 years which will put increased pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure as well as its natural environment. Cardiff believes that the use of smart technologies, with a strong focus on active travel, data-driven decision making and integrated transport will help the city manage the impacts of population growth in a more sustainable manner whilst ensuring that people can easily move around the city. Cardiff Council’s Transport Department has already completed many smart city initiatives and are currently involved in ambitious plans to create “smart corridors” within the city. Consequently, Cardiff will shortly release its “Smart City Roadmap” – a three year plan to improve collaboration, drive efficiencies and harness the power of technology and data across the city. Cardiff Council’s Stephen Meredith (Smart City Strategy lead and Enterprise Architect) and Jason Dixon (Operational Manager of Transport Development and Network Management) will enlighten us further in this keynote presentation!

“Transport Challenges and Solutions in North Wales” – North Wales is a diverse region that includes some of the fastest growing economic areas of the UK, with a strong cross border economy. It also contains areas where growth is more difficult and with limited passenger transport accessibility, over-dependence on the private car and carbon-based transport networks. Preparing the region for transport decarbonisation and improving our networks offers some real challenges. This closing keynote presentation will focus on the challenges and emerging proposals that will seek to take advantage of technology and natural resources across the region.