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.
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.
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.
Katie Parnell Principal Bid Management Officer | Oxfordshire County Council
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.
Karla Jakeman Connected Transport and Communications Programme Lead | Innovate UK
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!
Dr Belinda Godbold Suffolk County Council
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.
Mark Kemp Director of Growth, Strategy and Highways | Buckinghamshire County Council
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.
Melanie MacLeod Team Leader, Transport Policy and Highways Development Control | Bedford Borough Council
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.
James Smith Traffic Engineering Team Leader | North Yorkshire County Council
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.
Tim Gammons Director, Smarter Mobility and ITS | Arup
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.
James Harris Managing Director | Elgin
I attended the Transport Data Initiative forum in Manchester. I found it very useful and made some good contacts. Recommended!
Richard Dolphin Urban Traffic Control | Transport for Greater Manchester
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!
Ben Watts Gloucestershire County Council