The third Partners Forum, which is open to all employees of CIHT Partnerships Network organisations, was held on 8 June and focussed on technology and mobility and the challenges which are faced by rural areas in particular.

Government and industry are pressing ahead for carbon-neutral solutions and ambitious net-zero targets. Employers and consumers are favouring digital options (from remote working to food deliveries to streaming services) and there is an expectation that transport and mobility providers will expand their online offerings.

Many argue that transport needs to be considered as a holistic system, not as sequential or separate elements. New technologies create a window of opportunity to move towards a more integrated transport system and the growth in data use, will lead to changes in and beyond the transport sector. How can we prove this potential in a rural setting for the widest outcomes and to ensure we do not just aim at the low-hanging fruit?

The Forum discussed the role of technology in delivering inclusive outcomes for people and places, specific challenges in rural areas and the importance of collaboration in delivering successful future transport solutions.

Taking part in the Forum were:

Toby Thornton - Technical Director Future Mobility, WSP, who facilitated the discussion. Laurence Oakes-Ash, CEO at City Science. Dr Maurizio Catulli, who works within the Smart Mobility Unit at Hertfordshire University. Mark Valleley, Technical Lead at Transport for the Southeast. Rob McDonald, Director for Future Mobility and Smart Cities at Stantec.

 Upcoming Partner Forum Dates 2021

• July 13 – Safety
• December 14 - Digital

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