The Record - Issue 18: Autumn 2020

153 “It is the collaboration around data that will derive new value and efficiency” have been collaborating to tackle complex issues, to benefit from one another’s knowledge and experience, and to influence the direction of the technology roadmap that is jointly developed by members of the community. But this all began before Covid-19. “The pandemic has changed the ways we cur- rently travel and could also affect transportation behaviour in the future,” says Ion. “Of course, it has also heavily impacted the financial status of the industry. “As such, the pandemic mitigation and recovery-related scenarios have taken prece- dence and we are working with our participants to support them through the pandemic phases. These include immediate crisis management, continuity of operations and recovery.” Ion says that the working group has identified four priority areas: safe transport, sustainable and inclusive mobility; personalised mobility, and new data-driven services and optimised revenue streams. “To provide safe transport, gaining citizens’ trust in public transport is a priority,” she says. “And this requires personalising mobility offers to each user. Microsoft has an extensive eco- system of technology partners such as Beabloo, Pointr and Cubic that are leveraging Microsoft’s technology, platforms, data and artificial intelli- gence (AI) capabilities to enable safe transport. For example, these organisations are working to ensure the implementation of social distancing by counting passengers, digital queueing, mask and temperature detection, real-time informa- tion on bus arrivals and capacity, automated cleaning, and contactless interactions.” Cubic – one of the major drivers behind urban smart transport payment methods, such as London’s Oyster card – is working hard to help government and transport agencies to adapt. Contactless payments and account-based fare  PUB L I C S E C TOR