Hitachi and Transport for Wales Team Up to Digitize Public Transport with User-Friendly App

Written By: Rajesh Mazumder

Rajesh Mazumder

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September 11, 2024 10:55 PM

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Transport for Wales (TfW) has partnered with Hitachi to advance the digital transformation of public transportation across Wales, streamlining the process for travelers to manage their travel arrangements.

In the next five years, Hitachi is set to implement a comprehensive digital platform that consolidates all forms of public transportation into one easy-to-use application, facilitating the planning, booking, and payment processes.

This new digital system will encompass rail, local bus, fflecsi, and TrawsCymru services, integrating them into a unified back-office solution. Additionally, various micromobility options such as bicycles and e-scooters, along with demand-responsive transport services, will be accessible via this platform.

Drawing from its successful digital ticketing experiences in Japan’s rail network and other projects in Italy, Hitachi is developing a tailored Mobility as a Service (MaaS) system for Wales. This system aims to manage over 50 million daily multimodal ticketing transactions, leveraging Hitachi’s global expertise to foster a seamless travel experience across Wales.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at TfW said:

“At TfW we’re always looking to improve the customer experience and in doing this we want to attract more people to our public transport network.

“This exciting and ambitious project will deliver a digital solution that will help our customers plan point to point journeys using different modes of public transport. It’s all part of our longer-term plans and aspirations to provide our customers with one network, one timetable and one ticket.

“We look forward to working with Hitachi and bringing this global expertise to public transport in Wales.”

The initiative is noteworthy for its inclusion of rural areas, often neglected in digital upgrades, thereby supporting the expansion of green, low-carbon travel options across both urban and rural settings in Wales.

Hitachi was selected for this project due to its vast experience in digital integration and its access to cutting-edge technologies, including AI and Microsoft Azure solutions, which will keep the system innovative and responsive to the increasing demands of transport integration.

Justin Southcombe, Commercial Director at Hitachi Rail said:

“This strategic partnership with TfW will benefit from the breadth of mobility, digital and behavioural science expertise that exists in the Hitachi Group.

“Hitachi can combine the latest in cutting-edge digital technology, with deep knowledge of managing some of the world’s most popular transport systems, to better connect journeys.

“By making public transport more accessible and user-friendly, Hitachi can help increase sustainable travel in Wales.”

This MaaS project reflects Hitachi Rail’s commitment to transforming mobility by enhancing connectivity and promoting the shift towards public transportation, which is vital for sustainable travel and reducing transport-related emissions.

Additionally, Hitachi’s collaboration with Goldsmith University leverages new research in behavioral science to tailor the digital platform to user needs, further showcasing Hitachi’s strategic capabilities in delivering comprehensive digital and mobility solutions.

Recently, on May 31, 2024, Hitachi Rail expanded its influence in the transport sector by acquiring Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business, significantly broadening its global presence and technical capabilities. Hitachi Rail is set to showcase its innovative transport solutions at the InnoTrans global rail exhibition in Berlin, scheduled for September 24-27, 2024.