Transport for the North (TfN) has launched its Connected Mobility Strategy, which aims to support simple and seamless journeys for the region.

The term ‘Connected Mobility’ refers to the ability of different modes of transport to communicate seamlessly with each other in order to improve the reliability and affordability of passenger journeys. Connected Mobility allows integrated payment methods, ticketing and journey planning.

TfN believes that it will empower people in their travel choices and encourage greater use of public transport, which will help reduce congestion and emissions.

TfN’s Connected Mobility Strategy will enable it to work with other bodies to improve passenger services. It aims to reduce duplication of processes, streamline payments and enable integration of ticketing across different modes of transportation. The Strategy concentrates on three key themes:

• The Future of Ticketing
• Data and Infrastructure
• Future Mobility

The Strategy’s immediate priorities include supporting the delivery of multi-modal ticketing schemes.

It also sets out the case for more and better-structured regional funding to enable more innovation and improvement, stressing the importance of investment in the digital infrastructure needed.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Connected Mobility Strategy which builds on, and empowers, local successes and decision making in delivering more connected journeys.

“The way people travel from point A to point B is changing and the Strategy will go a long way towards giving passengers better information on their travel choices. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; instead, it’s about helping the wheel move faster for passengers in the North.

“Putting the passenger at the heart of our transport system is central to transforming the North’s transport offering. The evidence base and tools held by Transport for the North will support local decision makers bring forward solutions that meet their communities’ needs. In this way the Strategy will play a key role in transforming connectivity across the North and help create a transport system that meets the demands of the 21st-century passenger.”

Matt Smallwood, Connected Mobility Manager at Transport for the North, said: “With 95% of the population predicted to have smart phones by 2025, and almost 40% of all payments in 2022 using a contactless card, it is no surprise that smarter, integrated and more connected journeys for passengers remains a shared ambition for many of the North’s transport authorities.

“Through the implementation of the Connected Mobility Strategy, we can make the case for clear, evidence-led funding to achieve shared outcomes which will help realise this ambition and improve passenger experiences across the North.”