Transport for London (TfL) is looking for three new innovation partners to modernise public transport in the capital city.
The operator of London’s underground, bus, bicycle rental and overground transport network has launched Innovation Collaborative Framework (ICF) to help businesses work with it on the effort.
It provides an invitation to three new businesses to approach TfL with their innovations that could improve public transport in London.
A spokesperson said the new collaborators would replace German technology and engineering firm Bosch, which has been in partnership with TfL since November 2018 in a programme using artificial intelligence to monitor near-miss incidents by drivers in Lambeth at pedestrian crossings, identify methods to reduce noise on the Tube, provide data analysis of traffic flow and its impact on air quality, and set the Urban Mobility Lab. The latter has worked with start-ups such as Travel AI, CityMaaS and Emitwise.
TfL said the ICF is the result of listening to the organisations it has worked with.
Flexible approach
“The ICF will enable a more flexible way of working with partners to help solve London’s transport challenges which may range from improving public transport reliability to helping TfL further address wider issues such as air quality,” it said.
The ICF brings procurement and innovation together, and TfL said it would create the opportunity for both TfL and innovators to “tap into valuable research and development investment,” as well co-create outcomes for travellers in London, as well as producing revenue opportunities for the public transport network.
Theo Chapple, open innovation lead at TfL, said: “Technology is advancing at an ever-increasing rate, and we are looking forward to collaborating in this way with three exciting innovators from across the world.
"Ultimately, these new ways of working will help people travel more easily, safely and sustainably, and we’re excited to see how we can resolve some of London’s transport challenges while also taking our ideas and thought leadership to the world.”
