Written by Eddie Rogers
Managing Director – CRBN ZERO ltd.
The connection between technology and transportation has become a major point of discussion globally and more recently the UK, both in terms of physical transportation and the strategies used to plan for and improve the future transportation system to include autonomous driving, electric vehicle charging and strategy for decarbonisation and how that would integrate with our current grid capabilities.
THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT
As these advancements come online, planners gain access to more data and tools to support research and planning processes. Datasets such and Zap Map and OCPP integrated chargepoints provide insights into travel behaviour across the country utilising accurate GPS signals to determine how EV drivers are using these facilities, these statistics and data sets are already improving the accuracy and level of detail incorporated into travel analyses. As the transportation system becomes smarter and more connected through Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), planners can expect increased access to even larger and more accurate datasets. In the UK to date the centre for connected and autonomous vehicles are working with BSI, developing a strategy to implement different CAV programs ready for deployment, however it does not come without its challenges.
Not only are CAVs envisioned as the future of commuting, but the technology is also increasingly being piloted for non-commuting trip purposes such as salt gritting, FMCG deliveries, bus and train services. One such pilot programme called Zenzic will be used to coordinate self driving vehicles in a £200 million pound programme designed to further cement the UK in the driverless and carbon efficient sector. Similarly, most CAV programs still require an operator behind the wheel and strict oversight as they learn how to navigate roadways, interact with other modes of transportation, and find their niche within the transportation system and this is where Zenzic will make a major impact in driverless transportation.
TRANSPORT CONVENIENCE
As technology advances in the field of transportation, it will become much easier to move people where they need to go with more options available. This ties directly into the concept of Mobility as a Service (MAAS), where users are granted access to a variety of or combinations of transportation options (transit, ride-, car-, bike-share, etc.) through one application and one form of payment simplifying the customer and user experience with transportation. MAAS gives users the flexibility to choose between services that accommodate their trip type and purpose better than an alternative option.
Additionally, as the transportation network becomes more reliable, less congested, and more comprehensive, the time from door to door will improve and the amount of effort put into traveling will decrease, reducing carbon emissions and potentially fatal accidents that would normally occur through human error, the convenience outweighing the initial risk.
POLICY
Many policies being set forth by government focus on the interaction between CAVs and other modes of transportation (pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, buses, etc.). The policies are set out to monitor the entire process and safety alongside other promised benefits of such a transportation system. If CAVs and their impacts aren’t already being accounted for, many planning documents will need to start highlighting the ways CAVs are being integrated into their planning areas and how that integration is impacting their transportation system. These impacts could have major implications more efforts that currently provide the basis for our long-term planning processes and could reduce the time it takes for local authorities to implement a plan that will work across multiple industry sectors.
EFFICIENCY
As we transition both away from fossil fuels and towards autonomous travel and electric vehicles, both the efficiency of the propulsion of the car and ability of the modes of travel to communicate with each other and get people to where they need to be will vastly improve. Additionally, Automated Driving Systems (ADS) for transit vehicles could greatly improve transit connectivity and service levels of both urban and rural systems. This effort will rely on the insights from transit service planners as the ADS is deployed. Several larger fleet organistions currently test through pilot programmes to assess the benefit vs. converting completely to electric vehicles, what would look like a minor achievement is fantastic headway to what is an exciting future for mobility.
DATA SECURITY
The data relating to these trips can be paired alongside commuting data to comprehensively improve our transportation system and networks.
When thinking about the future of the transportation system and how advancements in technology will impact that system, the impacts can be categorized into the following three topics:
Safety: How will technological advancements decrease the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways? Does the system have detrimental effects on the surrounding environment?
Convenience: How can the ease and convenience of getting from point A to B and back be improved? Can the first/last mile dilemma with public transit and freight travel be eliminated?
Efficiency: How can the total amount of travel time be decreased? Are the fuel sources used to power our system sustainable? Can the effectiveness of transit services be improved?
Will the autonomous vehicles use electric vehicle charging infrastructure and how will they charge if the infrastructure isn’t also autonomous? Several questions that will turn the tide on complete sustainable transportation.
Security: How will autonomous driving guarantee a secure and safe environment for individuals especially when considering driverless taxis, buses and trains. How will we deliver a solution that will not only withstand the test of time but provide a scalable solution for the UK infrastructure sector.
PARTNERSHIPS
One aspect slowing the deployment to date is the relationship between the partners in the public and private sectors. The public side must provide clear, consistent, and efficient oversight to successfully deploy and transition to such a transportation system and improve road quality to take full advantage of driverless vehicles. Private partners will need to be incentivised to be competitive while working together to ensure the best technology and product are being created, investors need to look at all corners of the renewables sector as many startup companies are developing incredible resourves that will benefit the sector. Additionally, consultant firms like CRBN ZERO will need to be involved throughout the process to provide oversight, research, and planning insight and studies. Such services and documents could consist of safety analysis sourced from performance data. drafting multimodal plans and studies that connect the integration of CAVs and other modes of transportation and reviewing the impacts (improved safety, connectivity, accessibility, equity, the effectiveness of service, etc.) of CAVs on a city, county, and local authority planning area.
TRANSPORT SAFETY
Driving is one of the riskiest and deadliest activities that many people undertake every day. Autonomising this activity could have major implications for personal and public safety on the roadway. Once modes of transportation become increasingly autonomised, vehicles will be able to simultaneously communicate with each other and local smart infrastructure as they travel, eliminating the chance of human error. The increased amount of data coming from a CAV system will allow planners to gather further insights regarding vehicles operations including safety, efficiency, day-to-day interactions, the effectiveness of road design, and much more using big data technologies.
FUNDING
Funding for such projects is absolutely crucial, what seems like a simple solution has many moving rotors including the charging technology utilised to manage and maintain the vehicles. There are currently only a few different funding programs including R&D tax credits for innovation, the Super tax contribution scheme and innovation awards, where you could see some value to funding would be to source private funding that can be used to support technological advancements in the field of transportation, especially when it comes to furthering the deployment of CAVs. CRBN ZERO has a track record and ability to help organisations seek funding for automated vehicle projects in the UK. Our team of dedicated consultants are experienced with local authority planning, providing analysis on autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle integration and installation of electric vehicle charging solutions for small and large scale commercial and public projects. Contact us for further information or support.
