The Greater Cambridge Partnership, Cambridgeshire County Council and Oxfordshire County Council are planning to use machine learning algorithms to monitor transport networks in their areas.
They are working with Alchera Data Technologies, supported by £250,000 from Innovate UK, on a pilot project using the algorithms to monitor vehicle, pedestrian and roadworks data in real time.
The technology will be used to provide recommendations to control room staff so they can keep people moving and improve the performance of sustainable transport options such as buses.
It will also take in data on vehicles, active travel and roadworks.
Both areas are already using Alchera’s data hub platform to access mobility data.
Understanding impacts
Daniel Clarke, head of innovation and technology for the Greater Cambridge Partnership, commented: “This project will give us an insight into how roadworks affect different travel options. By understanding these impacts, we can shape our strategies to encourage more people to choose sustainable travel. Imagine smoother journeys, less time stuck in traffic, and shorter commutes – that's what we're aiming for.
“The GCP's goals are to cut congestion, improve bus reliability, and make sustainable travel a more attractive and viable option for everyone in our community. This is not just about roads - it's about making everyone's daily travel experience better, greener, and faster."
Katie Parnell, future mobility and placemaking team leader at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Partnering on this project was an easy decision. As regions, we share close strategic links and face similar challenges which can be addressed by making better use of the data we already have available.
“Oxfordshire County Council are keen to support innovation that decreases our carbon footprint and makes sustainable travel a better option for our citizens.”
