Transport Data Initiative
The Transport Data Initiative is led by local authorities who believe that improving the way we collect, store, and use data will help us deliver improved transport services while reducing costs of delivery. Founded by a consortium of local authorities led by Buckinghamshire County Council in 2016, the TDI has fast established itself as a major player in UK transport, with representatives from over 50 different local / transport authorities, covering 92% of the UK population, having attended at least one of our forum meetings to date.
Supported by an extensive network of transport specialists from the wider public sector and industry, we enable local authorities of all sizes and budgets to benefit from innovative solutions traditionally reserved for large urban centres. With our uncompromising focus on the common transport challenges faced by all local authorities, we facilitate deep and targeted collaboration across the sector, by helping solution providers design services which meet the unique requirements of local authorities and improving awareness within local authorities of the capacities of the wider marketplace.
TDI forums blend presentations with interactive elements such as workshops, discussion groups, and exhibition stalls to encourage delegates to develop ideas and expand their networks. We collect extensive feedback from attendees that we use to direct the format and agenda of future events.
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Testimonials
Having attended several Transport Data Initiative (TDI) events now, I have been impressed with the way the events have been adapted to respond to user feedback. The mix of activities to cover workshops, talks and networking has been effective in keeping the days productive and engaging. Having this kind of forum available to discuss issues and learning around opening up transport data is very useful – to have access to an initiative which allows us to discuss experience so that we can avoid falling into the same traps others have previously encountered for example, can prove invaluable in saving time, effort and money. I have personally made connections supporting projects I am working on and discovered initiatives and work happening in other areas of the country which I was previously unaware of through my participation in these events. The development of a supportive ‘knowledge hub’ for the TDI, to allow for these kinds of connections to continue to be made outside of the events themselves is something which I am anticipating with interest.
The Transport Data Initiative is making great headway in realising a long term requirement to bring local authorities together with regards to transport systems planning, data usage and connectivity innovation. At Innovate UK, we take the opportunity to introduce the group to any local authorities or relevant groups we connect with and there is huge enthusiasm to support this growing venture as the need for co-ordination, collaboration, support and innovation knowledge is well understood.
The group has a good grasp of the gaps and opportunities for local authorities, and I was impressed to witness how the larger, more knowledgeable authorities are keen and enthusiastic to support those with less experience with an encouraging appetite to grow, advance and innovate in the area of connected transport. I am looking forward to seeing how the TDI continue to develop – they have our full support.
The Smart Cities presentation was particularly thought provoking and ‘positioning’ and I have pursued related things such as the CATCH project. This resulted me in being involved in a hothouse discussion of CATCH at BT Infinity and I am now developing a pilot to use the CATCH app in a couple of local schools.
Through the Transport Data Initiative I was also introduced to the Transport Systems Catapult and now they are helping to fund one our projects!
Bucks CC co-founded the Transport Data Initiative to promote joined-up thinking between local authorities in their approach to open data and transport management. The forum has helped us not only to understand the common challenges faced by authorities but also, through bringing us together with industry service providers, has helped us understand the capacity of suppliers to meet our needs which has made us a more sophisticated client. The TDI has something to offer the entire transport marketplace, from local and regional transport authorities to industry specialists in the public and private sector.
One of the advantages in working for a small unitary authority is the variety of transport issues which land on the desk. On the other hand, working in a small team means that in-house technical expertise is sometimes unavailable. Being part of the TDI gives me the opportunity to work with other local authorities to access expertise and the latest technical developments in data management and utilisation. This partnership approach helps us achieve better value for money on our projects, gives us the confidence when dealing with external providers, and can improve the project outcomes of the lead organisation.
I found the Transport Data Initiative forum in Manchester very informative. It was a real eye-opener and got me thinking about how to move North Yorkshire forward on its open data journey. Following the forum I have shared information with my colleagues and key decision-makers with a view to starting to make progress. We are particularly interested in exploring ways to use data to manage traffic more intelligently, tying in with the investments we are making in new infrastructure and software. I look forward to continuing to work with TDI.
The opportunity to provide transport system efficiency and user centric services is founded on having sufficient and suitable data for transport authorities and the private sector to develop sustainable services and enriched metadata. Arup is pleased to be involved in the TDI and its efforts to open-up transport data for the benefit of travellers, the economy and the environment.
TDI addresses an important need for the exchange of ideas, experience and innovation in the area of transport data. In an increasingly complex public sector landscape, and with ever increasing budget pressures, data and technology led transport solutions deserve a national forum and TDI fulfils that need.
I attended the Transport Data Initiative forum in Manchester. I found it very useful and made some good contacts. Recommended!
The Transport Data Initiative has provided valuable insight about open transport data platforms which will feed in to Gloucestershire’s transport data strategy. A worthwhile event!
As a relatively new member to TDI, I have always found the sessions to be incredibly enjoyable and the other members are friendly and welcoming. The meetings are created to provide real opportunities for us to engage with fellow members and the contacts I have made are invaluable. The mixture of workshops, guest speakers and information sharing is a refreshing change from industry standard “death by powerpoint” sessions!
In a broader sense, TDI also allows the industry to see and promote women taking their roles really seriously and get inspiration and insight to follow their lead. In particular, Karla Jakeman from Innovate UK whom I would not otherwise have met. Her business acumen and willingness to share; the way she goes the extra mile with us all; her personal warmth and generosity… I could go on.”
Meet the TDI Team
David Aimson | TDI Founder & Managing Director
David is the founding member of the Transport Data Initiative. His vision was to create a forum like no other, a forum where local authorities work together to share best practices and procedures to tackle common issues in collaboration with the Private sector.
He has a wealth of experience as a Programme Manager in both the Public and Private sector. Working on award winning projects & programmes that push the barriers of what is possible within transport and data related areas.
David is currently the Data & Digital Delivery Manager for Buckinghamshire Council, running a team of project managers whose aim is to work on new and emerging technologies that can in turn improve the network for the travelling public, reducing costs for local authorities and help to drive the UK economy.
“Transport Data Initiative is a one-stop shop for all things transport related, whether that is collaboration, funding, or access to a new technological advances. It’s aim is to improve the way the UK approaches all things transport and data related b breaking down the barriers between the Public and Private sectors, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, tackling common problems and providing support to it’s network.
With over 1000 companies and Public sector individuals involved, the TDI is revolutionising the way we approach and utilise our transport data.”
Connect with David on LinkedIn here.
Janine White | TDI Manager
Janine is the Manager of the Transport Data Initiative, responsible for overseeing and promoting all TDI events, running the TDI’s social media, and managing the day to day running of the TDI.
Janine joined Buckinghamshire Council in 2016 as a Project Manager. She delivers various projects for the Council and works with the TDI Founder, David’s Digital & Delivery Team of project managers, with key responsibility being the Transport Data Initiative itself.
“The TDI presents a great opportunity for integration, development and innovation in the transport and digital industry for both Public and Private sector work”.
Providing events and training resources is a great way to inform and involve authorities and organisations to help develop work for the future.
TDI has already had a great impact across transport data in the UK, it is going to be extremely exciting to see where I can help take it”
Connect with Janine on LinkedIn here.
Luciano Lopes | TDI Officer
Luciano has been involved with the TDI since it’s birth in 2016. Working in David’s team of project managers at Buckinghamshire Council, Luciano is heavily involved in the day to day running of the Initiative.
Before joining Buckinghamshire in 2016, Luciano grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, making a name for himself as a Biomedical Scientist, Project Manager and Consultant in the Pharmaceutical industry.
Luciano is greatly involved with finding relevant speakers for each TDI event which is incredibly unique from one another. With his broad network across many industries, it allows him to always provide the best and most informative facilitators for our delegates who take the time out of their busy schedules in order to be involved with the TDI.
Connect with Luciano on LinkedIn here.
Steering Group
The Transport Data Initiative Steering Group comprises a mixture of the TDI Team, and leading members of the Public and Private sector. They oversee the overall running and monitoring of the initiative and are involved in the key decision making for everything TDI related.
The Steering Group is made up of the following members:
David Aimson
Transport Data Initiative is a one-stop shop for all things transport related, whether that is collaboration, funding, or access to a new technological advances.
It’s aim is to improve the way the UK approaches all things transport and data related b breaking down the barriers between the Public and Private sectors, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, tackling common problems and providing support to it’s network.
With over 1000 companies and Public sector individuals involved, the TDI is revolutionising the way we approach and utilise our transport data.
Sir Nic Cary, Bt FRSA
Founding director of Waysphere, an expert in data-driven services for transport. Head of Digital Transformation and Transport Data at the UK’s Department for Transport, where he led a programme to exploit the value of local transport data and improve data sharing. He also engaged with a number of foreign governments on data sharing policy and digital transformation opportunities.
Sir Nic Cary is a member of various professional bodies and a frequent public speaker on the role of data in future transport. Prior to Transport, he worked for the Cabinet Office, where he undertook various strategic programme management roles. An experienced technologist, he founded his own internet consultancy in 1995 and has since undertaken a wide variety of technology roles. Before that, he had a successful career in marketing communications.
Karla Jakeman
Karla joined Innovate UK in January 2015 working in the multi modal field of Connected Transport/Intelligent Mobility and Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.
As an Innovation Lead in Mobility, Karla supports this exciting area in the UK, using enabling technologies to leverage a smarter, greener and more sustainable transport system for the efficient movement of people and goods around the world.
Karla also leads on the Local Authority initiative in mobility and manage the funding competition from which the TDI originated. Prior to this Karla has 15 years’ experience working for a large automotive company in Design Quality.
Llewelyn Morgan
Llewelyn leads a newly established service area within Oxfordshire County Council that leads on Innovation for the Council.
The Service has been built up by Llewelyn and colleagues, starting as a small outward focused Research and Innovation team, leading on developing innovative strategies and projects in Transport and Environment.
It is now broadening its scope to encompass challenges in Social Care, Education, Public Health supporting these directorates to work collaboratively on innovative solutions to long held or increasing problems.
Peter Parfitt
Peter is the Head of Business Improvement & Project Delivery at Buckinghamshire Council.
Peter has been working at Buckinghamshire since August 2015 after a background in the digital industry, most recently as a Production Manager for Vodafone.
Peter’s team that compromises a number of Programme Managers, Project Managers incorporating the core project team for the Transport Data Initiative.
Peter has been on the steering group since TDI inception, and is a regular delegate for all events.
Trevor Brennan (MCIHT)
Trevor is owner and director of Mode Split, which is a specialist sustainability and transport consultancy. He is an experienced programme and people manager, with a 20-year career record of delivering sustainable transport schemes both within the public and private sector.
Currently, Trevor is working at Hertfordshire County Council as the Strategy and Programme Manager, where he is sponsor for the oneTRANSPORT programme, and manages the client side team of Highways for Hertfordshire (WSP/Arup/Ringway).
Teresa Jolley
Teresa Jolley works across highways, transport, journalism and open data communities to make transport data interoperable, consistent and relevant.
She is Creative Director at DEFT153 Ltd, part of Open Data Institute (ODI) Birmingham Node and West Midlands Open Data Forum, Member of CIHT, and Associate member of the Local Government Technical Advisers Group (LGTAG).
Dan Clarke
Dan heads up the Smart Cambridge Programme, where he is the Smart Cities Programme Manager at Cambridgeshire County Council.
Dan has worked across many areas of Transport, working at Cambridge to deliver MaaS in 2018, along with securing funding for autonomous vehicle trials and connected vehicle programmes.
Dan has delivered a number of innovative Smart City and Mobility projects including a city-wide “Internet of Things” platform for Cambridge, inclusive of the deployment of networks, sensors and a city data platform.
Dan joined the TDI Steering Group in 2019, where he will be working closely with the rest of the team to deliver the Transport Data Initiative through 2020 and beyond.
Janine White
Janine joined Buckinghamshire Council in 2016 and works as a project manager delivering various projects for the Council and for the Transport Data Initiative. She has recently graduated with a Chartered Business Management BA Hons degree at the Open University.
“The TDI presents a great opportunity for integration, development and innovation in the transport and digital industry for both Public and Private sector work”.
Providing events and training resources is a great way to inform and involve authorities and organisations to help develop work for the future. The TDI has already had a great impact across transport data in the UK, and we are determined to continue our excellent reputation.”
Ian Achurch
Ian heads up the development, infrastructure and funding activities at Northamptonshire County Council.
This includes developing its approach to intelligent transport through the Smart Move for Northamptonshire programme, business support and infrastructure provision.
Ian was an architect of an award-winning Revolving Infrastructure Fund pilot for financing infrastructure.