Today the Department for Transport (DfT) published their new Transport Data Strategy which sets out how DfT will work with the transport sector to improve the discoverability, accessibility and quality of transport data to support innovation.
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Speaking at a launch event for the Transport Data Strategy at the RAC this morning, Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State (Decarbonisation and Technology) spoke about the importance of data and the role it plays in our everyday lives.
Calling on examples, he praised the progress our industry has already made when it comes to open data such as TfL’s free open data, DfT’s Street Manager tool and their Bus Open Data Service. But, as is often the case, there is always more that can be done, which is why sharing data is one of the 5 core themes of the strategy:
At the launch event, a common theme that emerged through discussions was the attention that needs to be paid to local authorities. It was evident that the processes for collecting and sharing data can vary wildly between local authorities based on their needs, skills and resources. Many people called for a standards that will help to make this process easier for both local authorities to carry out, but also for those wanting to utilise the data that they produce.
On this point, representatives from DfT at the launch event highlighted that today they also published guidance for local authorities in England which provides advice and case studies on opening up and sharing transport data, explaining why and how this should be done so that data can be used by others.
The role of data and artificial intelligence (AI) is something that CIHT is currently researching, and we have recently set up a Task & Finish group to explore the role that AI can play in helping the transport industry to achieve its transport decarbonisation goals. We particularly want to look at what more can be done to support local authorities to adopt and apply AI within their practices.
If you work for a local authority and would like to be part of this work please reach out to us at technical@ciht.org.uk
Additionally, if you would like to find out more about this work please feel free to sign up to our Welcome Event here which is open to all CIHT members and Partner Organisations.
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