EDITOR ' S QUESTION
AUDREY DENIS
SENIOR STRATEGY MANAGER AT CUBIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
Every transit network – rail included – has unique challenges , but one factor they all share is the need for greater digital mobility to address congestion , pollution and urbanisation . While local stakeholders in cities the world over are enthusiastically deploying digital tools , such as mobile ticketing or real-time route and network information , these represent just the starting point for what ’ s really needed to build solutions that will stand the test of time .
Digital mobility has the potential to integrate each mode of transport into a unified operating network across the whole transportation ecosystem . Connecting everything , from local buses to ridesharing to traffic management , to provide one efficient , coordinated journey . Harvesting data from multiple sources , such as ticketing systems on public transport , digital toll booths , and traffic light cameras , enables total visibility in real-time of network demand and bottlenecks . That means transit managers can plan more efficiently and introduce flexible , adaptive and responsive incentives to optimise traffic and encourage passengers to choose the most sustainable option .
Digital mobility intersects with public policy , which influences the transit network ’ s planning and operations according to civic preferences . This could mean increasing the cost of road use to reduce carbon emissions ; or increasing public transit investments in specific regions or neighbourhoods to boost fairness among different sections of the public . The beauty of digital mobility solutions is their versatility , providing a solid basis on which cities can make specific changes related to their ultimate objectives .
Technically speaking , digital mobility is available today : all the requisite tools to enable real-time , coordinated , and integrated mobility across multiple transport modes can be deployed through infrastructure upgrades and cloud-based SaaS solutions . Putting in place the foundational elements , like a unified account-based ticketing and payment platform which is interoperable between all transit options , is no longer a pipe dream or prohibitively expensive .
From a social point of view , we see that many of the sensational innovations happening in transit today are related to mobile devices and contactless payments . However , not everyone owns – or wants to own – a smartphone . Therefore , these technological advances must be complemented with similar solutions for people without bank accounts or with an aversion to technology . We have to consider the needs of everyone and ensure equitable access to the differently abled and those on low incomes . Digital mobility provides a defined route to consistent and enduring stability . For cities and provinces ready to invest in next-generation tools and services , the promise of digital mobility is just around the corner .
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