Ecosy Travel route optimisation algorithm: multimodal journey planning to minimise emissions

The Ecosy Travel FastStart project will develop an innovative route optimisation algorithm that enables effective travel route planning to minimise carbon emissions and optimise for the travel preferences of green travellers. The project will also see our route optimisation algorithm built into the Ecosy Travel Trip Planner, to help our customers plan their green getaways and book each leg of the journey direct with the relevant transport provider.

Engagement with our supply chain of green holiday properties has shown that there is limited access to many of these businesses without a car due to their rural location. Our algorithm will better service remote destinations, thereby supporting the growth of green tourism in more rural communities that need the economic boost.

As with booking a flight, when customers are planning a green getaway they want to see alternative travel options across their departure day(s). Current route planning tools, which optimise for a set departure time, often provide poor results that fail to identify the simplest travel route. We want to fix this and, where it is the users preference, find more night journeys to minimise wasted daytime spent travelling.