10109430HomeRun: School Travel Analytics Platform (STAP)ClosedDemonstratorInnovate UKThe school-run is the biggest generator of peak-time car journeys and associated CO2, in many UK regions. Addressing school-run-caused traffic is key to the UK's Transport Decarbonisation Plans, spanning traffic reduction, improved air quality and net-zero by 2050, alongside Local Transport Plans (LTPs). School travel is particularly challenging in rural settings, where longer distances and lack of active travel and public transport infrastructure, make private car use dominant. In addition, Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) ownership rates are extremely low in rural regions. These factors contribute to carbon emissions that are 5-times greater for rural school journeys, compared to those taken within urban settings. This project will involve the modelling and analysis of school run journey data across the whole of Essex (a county with 72% land area designated as rural), to enable the creation of a new, innovative, and vital product - HomeRun School Travel Evaluation Platform (STEP). HomeRun will predict and aggregate individual pupil journeys to produce visual, actionable intelligence and quantify the potential for increasing active travel and reducing car usage. The data analysis will identify tipping points that create rush hour congestion and will also produce an accurate estimate of the carbon footprint of the entire school run within the region. A set of evidence-based recommendations will be created from the data analysis that will allow Essex Council to focus their resources on the schools, areas and initiatives that will have the biggest impact on cutting school run carbon emissions and congestion. This will create a standardised evidence base to aid transport strategy and direct relevant government funding decisions.