• City region scientists working with South Korean partners over hi-tech transport study
• Digital twin created to model impact of changes to services, routes and fares
• Successful year-long trial on part of bus network
• Project expanded across entire city region and to also include rail
• Part of Mayor Rotheram’s vision of the region as leader in ‘AI for Good’

A hi-tech initiative aimed at boosting efficiency and reliability on Liverpool City Region’s public transport is to be expanded following a successful year-long trial.

Launched in July 2024, the project brought together data scientists from the Liverpool City Region and South Korea to create a computer-based copy of the city region’s public transport network.

The ‘digital twin’ enables transport changes – including routes, timetables and fares – to be trialled virtually to assess impact on services ahead of being introduced.

The project, known as KUDATA (Korea-UK Digital Twin Approach for Transport Analysis), initially focused on part of the region’s bus network. The second phase will see the tool expanded to cover the whole city region and the wider transport network.

The enhanced model will utilise data from rail services as well as walking and cycling routes – including real-time information on vehicle location, traffic congestion and train signalling – to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how people move around the region.

The aim is to develop a tool that can test different options for the public transport network that can then be trialled digitally to assess impact on services and communities. This will enable better integration of services and ultimately encourage more residents to use the public transport network.

There will also be an increased focus on the use of AI, with smart algorithms automatically suggesting network improvements to make jobs, education and essential services more accessible, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

The project, which is a collaboration with universities and technology companies in the UK and South Korea, aligns closely to Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram’s vision to establish the region as a global leader in the application of “AI for Good”, delivering both economic growth and solving local challenges.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation said:

“It’s fantastic that this innovative new initiative has moved forward to its next phase. Developed in collaboration with partners in South Korea, the University of Liverpool and technology company Podaris, the project demonstrates the significant progress we’re making towards harnessing cutting-edge digital technologies like AI to transform public services in our region for the better.

“Mayor Rotheram is already pushing ahead with plans to deliver a world-class London-style transport system that is faster, cheaper, safer and more reliable – taking back control of our region’s buses, making fares simpler and more affordable and rolling out the most sophisticated and accessible train fleet in the country.

“By harnessing the power of AI, we’ll be able to make even more effective, data-driven decisions, ultimately providing our residents with the world-class network they deserve.”

Alex Singleton, Professor of Geographic Information Science, University of Liverpool, said:

“This expansion of the KUDATA project represents a significant leap forward in how we can use digital twin technology and AI to transform public transport.

“By creating a comprehensive virtual model of the entire Liverpool City Region transport network, we can test innovative solutions before implementing them in the real world.

“What is particularly exciting is the potential to use AI algorithms to automatically identify improvements that will make essential services more accessible to disadvantaged communities – this is exactly the kind of ‘AI for Good’ application that can create meaningful social impact.”

Jinuk Hwang, Assistant Professor at the Department of Urban Planning and Engineering at Pusan National University said:

“Through this cross-national partnership, we are thrilled to bring Busan’s public transport planning into the era of AI and digital twin technologies.

“KUDATA Phase II represents a crucial step toward more integrated, responsive, and equitable mobility systems, not only in Busan but also around the world. By using advanced simulation and data-driven methods, this collaboration allows us to explore transformative transport solutions that can improve access to essential services, especially for underserved communities.

“We are proud to continue working with our partners in the UK as we strive for smarter and more inclusive cities.”

Devon Barrett, Chief Technology Officer at Podaris, said:

“Phase 2 of KUDATA represents a major milestone in bringing AI-powered transport planning to the real world.

“We’re expanding our digital twin technology to cover the entire city region’s transport ecosystem, with AI algorithms that automatically identify improvements prioritising equity and accessibility, ensuring better access to jobs and essential services for communities that need it most.

“Liverpool City Region has been an exceptional partner, embracing cutting-edge technology and pioneering new approaches that will benefit transport authorities across the UK and beyond.”

The KUDATA initiative builds on strong links between the Liverpool City Region and Busan, South Korea’s second city, that in 2023 saw Mayor Rotheram sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Busan Mayor Park Heong-Joon. The landmark agreement promoted active co-operation in areas relating to digital innovation and smart cities, net zero and clean energy and health innovation.

The project is being funded by Innovate UK and is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool’s Department of Geography & Planning, the Digital Innovation Facility, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and UK-based technology provider Podaris in partnership with Pusan National University, Sundosoft Inc, Busan Techno Park and Busan Metropolitan City in South Korea.