Government explores Smart Data framework to transform transport services

The government is exploring how Smart Data initiatives could unlock better transport services, improve network integration and overcome long-standing barriers to data sharing across the sector.

New research commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has examined whether Smart Data frameworks could support more efficient and connected transport systems by enabling organisations to share information securely, consistently and with appropriate governance.

The findings, published in Exploring Smart Data Opportunities in the Transport Sector, suggest that fragmented data remains one of the biggest obstacles to improving transport services, with information often siloed between operators, transport modes, infrastructure owners and technology platforms.

The study was delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect and involved workshops with 112 representatives from across the transport industry. Participants identified 12 potential Smart Data applications spanning passenger travel, freight operations, electric vehicle charging, ticketing systems, infrastructure management and journey planning.

Smart Data frameworks allow data holders to share information through agreed standards and secure access arrangements. Similar approaches have already been implemented in sectors such as banking and financial services through Open Banking, forming part of the government's wider Smart Data Strategy launched earlier this year.

According to the report, transport organisations face a range of challenges when attempting to exchange data. These include inconsistent standards, incompatible technology systems, differing commercial interests, concerns around liability and governance, and limitations imposed by legacy infrastructure and procurement processes.

Researchers found that a Smart Data approach could help address these barriers by creating common technical standards, establishing clearer rules around data ownership and sharing, and providing more consistent governance frameworks.

While improved passenger-facing services such as integrated journey planning and simplified ticketing were identified as key opportunities, the report highlights significant benefits for freight and logistics operations as well.

Participants suggested that better data sharing could improve freight coordination, support more efficient movement of goods, enhance infrastructure planning and maintenance, and strengthen links between transport networks and energy systems as electric vehicle adoption accelerates.

The research also aligns with broader government ambitions to create a more integrated and digitally connected transport network. Earlier this year, the DfT's Better Connected strategy committed to increasing the use of digital technology and open data to simplify journeys and improve coordination across different transport modes.

However, ministers have stressed that the research remains exploratory and does not represent a formal policy proposal.

Instead, the findings will inform the next phase of work, which will assess the feasibility of selected Smart Data use cases, examine potential governance arrangements and consider how future schemes could complement existing transport data initiatives.

If adopted more widely, Smart Data frameworks could play an increasingly important role in supporting smarter transport operations, improving customer experiences and helping the sector respond to future challenges around decarbonisation, network capacity and growing demand for integrated mobility services.