Welcome to the Future Transport Forum 2023
The transport sector is on the cusp of real change, driven by the need to decarbonise, to level up access to opportunities, to optimise the use of public streets and spaces and make transport networks more efficient
This event will:
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Show how £90 million is supporting the trials of new transport innovation in the Solent and the three other Future Transport Zones.
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Highlight the benefits of real world testing for new technologies and approaches
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Show how innovative places are making smarter and wider use of new technologies
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Demonstrate innovative new ways to transport people around urban and rural areas
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Bring together stakeholders including councils, hospitals, transport operators, communities, airports and universities
Making smarter and wider use of new technologies is key to this transport revolution – whilst always remembering that all viable solutions are driven by genuine need and must deliver relevant and innovative ways to improve personal mobility.
Advances in operational software solutions, Artificial Intelligence and net zero motive power are likely to ramp up dramatically between now and 2030, offering travellers and businesses new choices for everyday travel needs.
The Future Transport Forum will showcase the solutions that are being piloted and refined on the ground in the UK's Future Transport Zones – and beyond.
Real world testing of new technologies and approaches, including:
Personal mobility: DDRT, shared bikes and e-bikes, shared e-scooters
How new technology can improve travel in car-dominated areas outside of major cities
Integration of modes and networks: Mobility as a Service and mobility hubs
Engagement, communications and embedding citizen buy-in
The creation of safe and civilised roads and streets
Developing drone deliveries
Smart ticketing and payment systems
Micro and macro consolidation
Why Solent?
In 2020, the Government 2020 launched a consultation to make journeys easier, smarter and greener through new technology as part of the Future of Transport regulatory review. Alongside the review, a £90 million funding offer is supporting trials of new transport innovation in four Future Transport Zones (FTZ) – including the Solent. The Solent FTZ programme is funded until June 2024.
These zones will bring a range of local bodies – councils, hospitals, transport operators, communities, airports and universities – to test innovative ways to move people and freight around urban and rural areas.
The Solent Future Transport Zone is funded by the Department for Transport.
"The Solent Future Transport Zone has been awarded £28.8m from the DfT to run numerous tests and trials of innovative approaches to transport across the Solent region. As these tests and trials take place, we’ll conduct research, capture data and invite feedback to understand whether these innovations are improving your transport options and the way you travel"
Conrad Haigh
Solent Transport Manager
Solent Transport won £29m from the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement innovative future transport solutions around personal mobility and freight movements.
The funding means the Solent area will benefit from several innovative transport solutions including: smartphone apps for planning and paying for sustainable journeys demand, e-bike share scheme, and new approaches to freight distribution, including drone freight trials for NHS deliveries across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Funding will be allocated to different projects across the region.
The three-year Solent Future Transport Zone programme proposes to address local challenges such as high levels of car usage and the environmental impacts of freight movement within the Solent’s urban areas. It will do this by delivering a series of complementary projects within two key themes: personal mobility and sustainable urban logistics.
Solent Future Transport Zone encompasses south Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester, and is also working closely with bus, train, ferry and hovercraft companies, ensuring the whole region, residents and visitors will benefit from its trials and innovation.
Supported by:
