Transport for London & OpenCapacity Partner to find solutions for the BridgeAI programme
The Digital Catapult’s Bridge AI programme is a significant initiative aimed at integrating advanced AI technologies into specific sectors, helping them leverage AI to address critical business challenges. One such example is our collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), which is focused on optimising London’s public transport system to enhance service accessibility and efficiency. As part of this programme, TfL has partnered with OpenCapacity, a leading provider of AI-driven solutions for the public transport sector. Together, we are dedicated to improving the accessibility and user experience for wheelchair users across TfL’s extensive bus network.
TfL, which manages a fleet of approximately 9,300 buses operating on 675 routes throughout London, is committed to making public transport more accessible for everyone. Partnering with TfL in the Bridge AI programme is a crucial step in this direction. The goal is to provide real-time updates on the availability of wheelchair priority spaces on buses by leveraging AI technology. This initiative goes beyond merely deploying new technology; it’s about fundamentally improving the daily commute for thousands of passengers who rely on these services, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Transport for London (TfL)
At OpenCapacity, we believe our involvement in the programme is central to its success. One of our expertise lies in helping operators gather information about the occupancy state of their vehicles - with one potential sensor being the existing CCTV cameras on the buses that allow our AI-driven video analytics solution to monitor and assess various aspects of the transport vehicle. In this project, we are deploying our cutting-edge video analytics technology to monitor the occupancy status of wheelchair spaces on buses. This type of data could be integrated with TfL’s journey planning app, TfL Go, allowing passengers to receive real-time information about the availability of these priority spaces directly on their smartphones. Such an integration has the potential to significantly improve journey planning for all passengers, particularly those who depend on accurate, up-to-date information to navigate the city.
By providing real-time updates, our AI-powered solution helps passengers make informed decisions, reducing uncertainty and anxiety around their travel experience. This is especially beneficial during peak hours when buses are crowded, and finding an available space can be challenging.
Moreover, our solution promises to deliver operational efficiencies. By better managing the allocation and usage of wheelchair spaces, a higher level of service during busy periods can be maintained, ensuring that the needs of all passengers are met without compromising the overall efficiency of the bus network.
We expect the use of AI in this context to grow significantly within the transport sector over the next five years, setting a new standard for accessibility and customer service in public transport.
Our partnership with TfL under the BridgeAI programme is a forward-thinking move that aligns with broader trends in AI adoption within the transport sector. It exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges, particularly in making public services more inclusive and efficient. As TfL continues to explore and implement these AI-driven solutions, we are confident that the results of our collaboration will serve as a model for other cities looking to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of their public transport systems.