A data driven approach to seamless and efficient travel is it really practical?

Abstract

Intelligent (or Smart) mobility aims to use technology and multi-sourced data to support the efficient and seamless movement of people and goods through integrated, multimodal, user-focused and sustainable transport systems, delivering a better end-to-end journey experience. This has been an aspiration of planners and transport authorities since the introduction of technology in transport more than 30 years ago that has yet to materialize. Within South Africa the journey to seamless multi-modal travel requires a developed transport infrastructure as well as the availability of data to inform journeys and influence travel behaviour. The availability of transport data from multiple sources and geographic boundaries (open data, shared data, and closed data) is currently stifled by: • Lack of common standards and interfaces • Vendor lock-in on technology reducing data accessibility • High cost of opening and maintaining data feeds • Inter-departmental and geographical barriers. This paper illustrates how an open marketplace for transport and associated data, similar to the one developed in the oneTRANSPORT project, can address some of these issues for travel in South Africa and realise economic, social and environmental benefits. The oneTRANSPORT project builds on recent technological advances to deliver an open, standardised, cloud-based transport data platform and marketplace; and develops innovative business models for the industry and transport authorities that lead to a financially sustainable ecosystem.