ETP Energy Emporium – Glasgow, 31st May 2017

Transport Session

Transport Research Development and Deployment

  1. Passenger transport is no longer simply about providing buses/cars. The business of moving individuals collectively is likely to be via new solutions such MaaS (Mobility as a Service) in future. Thus we can expect transport providers like First to be looking at other methods of travel [like Uber and liftshare]as part of a multi-modal solution to get individuals from A to B. Characteristics of such a future transport system are likely to include:
  • Door-to-Door (or point-to-point) transport solutions; but the infrastructure isn’t yet in place (e.g. physical and digital infrastructures etc.).
  • A fully integrated transport system where Uber-like services are integrated to complete an individual’s journey.
  • An integrated system with ‘transport credits’ or ‘one ticketing’ for all sources of transport – using smart phones and Apps.
  • MaaS Scotland has recently been formed (within Technology Scotland) to co-ordinate Scottish RDD and industry expertise in this area(
  1. Vehicle Engine technologies:
  • EVs will remain niche until batteries are improved.
  • University of Aberdeen are involved in a Horizon 2020 Green Vehicle Project (ESPRIT – developing a small EV to be used in a one-way car sharing system. This could be appropriate for first and last mile journeys involving public transport.
  1. Lowering emissions from the transport sector:
  • Ferries – It is possible to have hybrid ferries with a combination of a diesel engine and electric batteries – CalMac are leading the development of innovative hybrid ferries.
  • Technology for “greener” buses are moving forward apace, e.g. the 10-vehicle fleet of hybrid buses in Aberdeen.
  • It is acknowledged that during this process of transition to a lower carbon transport system, emission levels may increase before we find the correct balance of low emission vehicles.
  • If congestion is reduced benefits to bus services include consistent journey times and access to key central destinations in towns and cities, which can be operated efficiently and with substantially reduced environmental impact per traveller. This requires increased bus priority, including traffic light phasing and reallocation of road space, reduced city centre parking (especially roadside), enforcement of traffic and parking regs etc. and better local planning.
  • Need for greater focus on land-use planning – enabling an integration of low emission vehicles within low emission zones. Introduce infrastructure to support cycling and walking (active travel).
  • Hybrid urban truck using the tram wires within the city centre. Diesel engine when travelling to the outskirts.
  1. Having looked at other countries, which have been able to make a modal shift, it is observed that:
  • Other countries have the ability to hook bikes onto the front of buses for integrated travel.
  • In Edinburgh bikes can be brought onto the trams between 9:30am to 4:30pm – can this be extended?
  • Policy changes – Not making cars a priority and encouragement for alternatives by making other modes of transport more attractive, e.g. increased bike storage in the city centre, facilities for changing, showering etc, segregated bike lanes with barriers to ensure individuals feel safe on the roads [as in New York, India] etc.
  • Appreciating that technology is an enabler(not a panacea) – it ensures individuals have the options there, e.g. MaaS. It can link policy change with technology.
  • Road-user charging [including fuel duty and road excise duty] – electronic pricing can be introduced at specific times of the day – can also target conventionally fuelled vehicles. There needs to be more focus on pricing as a demand management tool.
  1. Non-renewable resources need to be replaced
  • Improved storage within the environment (Pump storage); improve any intermittency
  • Non-traction energy efficiency should also be explored
  • Improve EV range through improved electric storage - Better-quality battery efficiency?
  • Individuals have to evaluate the entire life of an EV with most individuals buying second hand cars. The market isn’t available to buy second hand EVs as of yet due to low life expectancy.
  • Younger generations are putting a different value on vehicles (and delaying acquisition of driving license and first car purchase). Carbon emissions aren’t considered when purchasing and it’s more about the status of the vehicle than how environmentally friendly it is.
  1. Overall Conclusions
  • We need to promote joined-up and combined policy making (the Scottish National Transport Strategy is currently being reviewed: - John Nelson is a member of the Review and Evidence Group)
  • New battery technology and efficiency to support EVs is required.
  • Greater education – How do we get the skills out there for individuals? Particularly in rural areas? Repairing damaged or maintenance of EVs? Skills for intelligent mobility (e.g. as promoted by the Transport Systems Catapult)? Integrated with computer science and other disciplines.
  • How disruptive will new technology be for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the current transport network? Integrated within the built environment?Different patterns of ownership?
  • Reducing congestion vs energy usage? Example: Directing cars through roads which have extra capacity, reducing congestion etc
  • Lifestyle - Online shopping has caused increased number of white vans on roads. How can we mitigate this?

John Nelson and Kathryn Logan

Centre for Transport Research, University of Aberdeen