Liverpool City-Region in north west England is developing an urban digital twin to improve regional bus and transport services.

Planners will utilise data modelling techniques and real-time vehicle location data. Researchers will be able to model the effects of different scenarios, such as route changes and fare reductions, on bus services.

The project is a collaboration between Liverpool City-Region Combined Authority, the University of Liverpool, and technology providers. It will be funded as part of Innovate UK’s UK-South Korea collaborative research and development programme. The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding signed last year between Liverpool and Busan, South Korea, to cooperate in areas such as digital innovation and smart cities.

The project has been named the “Big Data Digital Twin of Mass Transit in Liverpool City Region for Smart, Equitable Mobility.”

The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram stated that the project aligns with his pledge to use cutting-edge digital twin technology to enhance planning and public services in the region.

Dr Patrick Ballantyne from the University of Liverpool highlighted the project’s innovative use of Big Data and scenario modelling technologies to optimise public transport networks for the benefit of Liverpool City Region residents.