Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility: Mass Transit Feasibility Studies 2 Briefing

Click here to download the slides (PDF).

Your project’s total grant funding request must be between £50,000 and £200,000.

Click here to find out more about the funding available (closing date 19th July 2023).

Scope

The aim of this competition is to target early commercial self-driving vehicle opportunities and support the UK supply chain to grow and fill technology gaps necessary for their deployment.

In this competition, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) is seeking proposals where Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) could deliver a significantly more cost effective, and low carbon solution than traditional public transport options, for example, heavy and light rail, trams and buses.

CCAV is seeking proposals that:

• identify a new application for CAM as a mass transit solution and quantify the real-life potential of a suitable low carbon solution which is more cost effective than traditional public transport options, such as light and heavy rail, trams, buses, etc.
• Focus on passenger services. We will also consider applications where the CAM service is being proposed to be utilised for logistics services in addition to the passenger services, provided, the main purpose of the service is to move people.
• Align with the nine principles of the Future of Mobility Urban Strategy where appropriate
• Address the key issues raised in the Future of Transport: Rural Strategy – Call for Evidence and the associated Summary of Responses, where appropriate
• Consider how this service could be improved or expanded in the future, for example, as technology develops, and legislation enables the use of automated vehicles on public roads
• Enhance how the public move and encourage active transport and public journeys, wherever appropriate.

The service may be operated in or on:

• Public spaces to which the public have access
• Private or segregated spaces to which the public do not have access: for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. This can include for example, tracks, disused railway routes;
• Or a combination of the above

Your proposal must:

• Outline the design, delivery, and operational cases for the introduction of a CAM mass transit service on a specific, UK route currently underserved by public transport,
• Show how the solution would solve real-life transport problems, particularly where traditional mass transit services are not deemed viable
• Include how it could be practically delivered and operated as part of a wider integrated public transport network.
• Set out how and why the proposed automated vehicle service would provide better outcomes than traditional mass transit modes.

Your project must consider all the following themes:

• Economic, social, and decarbonisation benefits, considering the Green Book
• Capital expenditure and operational expenditure
• Infrastructure and service delivery plan and timelines
• Commercial viability and revenue protection
• Passenger capacity, freight capacity (if relevant), and scalability of service
• Encouraging the use of public transport
• Integration into existing public transport networks, including active travel, with consideration of connected infrastructure, on demand and Mobility as a Service technologies
• Connecting underserved routes, locations, or populations to employment centres, education opportunities and larger population centres
• Ensuring safety and security, including cyber security
• Use of UK-based automation and infrastructure technologies and expertise
• Ensuring public trust in the service
• Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity of the service

You must ensure that your project will consider all legal requirements in your chosen deployment areas. It is your responsibility to take legal advice in this matter.

Commitments & Expectations

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with CCAV) to invest up to £900,000 n feasibility study projects to support the CCAV ambition to progress technologies, products and services into commercial offerings.

Briefing and Support

The briefing recording and slides are available above.

If you want help to find a project partner, contact Innovate UK KTN’s Transport team.