The Record - Issue 18: Autumn 2020

152 www. t e c h n o l o g y r e c o r d . c om systems E ven in economies with huge car ownership, like the USA, where over 93 per cent of households have access to their own vehicle, and new vehicle-share applications offer poten- tially more sustainable and convenient option in urban environments, public transportation still plays an important role. A well-managed public transportation system produces less air pollution, improves fuel efficiency per passenger, and reduces traffic congestion. Many city leaders around the world are looking to improve their public transportation systems to realise these benefits and create better urban mobility experiences for the citizens they serve. The Microsoft Mobility Data Collaboration brings together public transport authorities, operators and industry leaders in technology innovation and the automotive industry. “It has been created to enable ecosystem col- laboration, Industry 4.0 transformation and prepare for the future of intelligent mobility,” says Valentina Ion, director of EMEA govern- ment industry at Microsoft. “The working group focuses on solving common non-differentiating industry problems within a mobility and technol- ogy ecosystem. The aim is to unlock the potential of data collaboration within the industry to help organisations achieve their goals while enabling seamless, safe and sustainable mobility.” To reach this aim, Microsoft and its partners have a number of subsequent goals: improve operational efficiency by accelerating inno- vation; enrich traveller experiences; generate revenue with new data driven business mod- els; enable economic development in cities and regions; and provide skilling programmes to cre- ate the mobility workforce of the future. “We strongly believe that technology has the power to accelerate the transformation of the sector by connecting players that are currently operating in isolation, by providing new sus- tainable means of transport and by unlocking the full potential of the mobility platform,” says Ion. “It is the collaboration around data that will derive new value and efficiency.” Those involved in the initiative have been working together to share and learn about best practices, solutions and implementations. They BY E L LY YAT E S - ROB E R T S Microsoft is working with industry experts and partners to adapt public transport for a new world, ensure the safety of passengers and reduce the industry’s environmental impact Creating more F E ATUR E transportation sustainable