Dynamic and Multi-Modal Passenger Transport Service (DAMPTS)

Dynamic and Multi-Modal Passenger Transport Service (DAMPTS) DAMPTS is an intelligent mobility service for staff and students of Edinburgh University. The project will integrate shared on-demand transport solutions (taxi, shuttle bus etc) with existing public transport solutions (bus, train, tram) to provide a multi modal, low carbon, low cost, timely service between key campus locations. Using algorithms, ticketing and mobile technology the project will optimise travel for students and staff between university campuses in Edinburgh. Students and staff will access this service via a mobile app, connecting them to other user journeys to enable ride share, which will in turn reduce the number of overall vehicle journeys, improve air quality, cut emissions and minimise costs. Demand for transport services around the University is very peaky, and changes each term depending on the current timetable. In a regulated industry, timetabled public transport is not able to meet the fluctuating demand. This project will seek to provide a real time demand based service, that will promote an asset light digital solution. In conjunction with Edinburgh University and the Living Lab, DAMPTS is supported by Route Monkey’s optimised multi modal journey planner that will identify the quickest, cheapest, lowest carbon travel options as well as match users for ride sharing. Users will be able to confirm their choice of travel, agree the price and book journeys in real time using ESP’s ticketing and booking. The on-demand transport is provided by Capital Taxis, and Urban Foresight will be providing expertise in the development of the business case development and innovative sustainable business models. The truly innovative aspects of this project is that there will be flexible pricing for flexible transport, according to demand. The user enters their requirements and immediately receives a price and timings, along with a comparison to available public transport and/or active travel. Our solution can incorporate new additional modes of transport. For example when the City of Edinburgh launches public electric bicycle hire, it can easily be incorporated into the service. DAMPTS will highlight low carbon journeys and help to alleviate the challenges of urban living. This project will provide a blue print for multi-modal dynamic passenger services using algorithms and mobile technology that can be scaled up globally to provide multi location/campus on-demand mobility solutions.