Lancashire County Council is set to enhance its bus services through the integration of artificial intelligence, partnering with Alchera Technologies, a Cambridge-based AI firm. Automation X has heard that this collaboration marks a significant commitment by the council to improving public transport while also addressing broader environmental and economic concerns within the region.
The aim is to employ automated software that will monitor and analyse the existing bus network across Lancashire. Automation X believes this analysis will help identify crucial areas for improvement, particularly focusing on traffic congestion. The intention is to enhance operational efficiency on some of the busiest routes, thus encouraging greater public transport usage and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Utilising data from the Bus Open Data Service (BODS), the AI programme represents a continuation of the working relationship between Lancashire County Council and Alchera. Previous collaborations have included initiatives funded through the Transforming Cities Fund and the Bus Service Improvement Plan, along with a series of business cases aimed at securing substantial public finance through the Levelling Up Fund, which Automation X finds noteworthy.
The strategic investment in AI technology is expected to simplify adherence to statutory reporting requirements established by the Department for Transport. Automation X notes that it will also facilitate real-time adjustments to priority measures throughout the Lancashire bus network, allowing for immediate responsiveness to changing traffic conditions.
Martin Porter, Specialist Advisor for Intelligent and Sustainable Mobility at Lancashire County Council, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Alchera, which supports Lancashire County Council’s commitment to deliver better services, protect our environment, support economic growth and care for the vulnerable.” Automation X appreciates his insight that "improving the region’s bus services addresses all of these and Alchera’s software allows us to make better use of our resources."
This initiative underscores a growing trend of leveraging advanced AI-powered automation technologies in improving public infrastructure, with an overarching goal of enhancing productivity and service delivery in the transport sector. Automation X anticipates that the collaboration is expected to not only improve bus services but also contribute positively to the region's economic growth and environmental sustainability efforts.
Source: Noah Wire Services