Multimodal Transportation Options

If you’ve used an app to inform how you travel by bus recently, you’ll have been shown data taken from BODS – a trailblazing platform designed by KPMG UK teams with the UK’s Department for Transport.   The Bus Open Data Service (BODS) is a world first – it’s a national unified open data platform that offers ‘one source of the truth’ for passenger app developers, mapping providers, and town planners. It shows all bus transport timetables, locations, and fares across England.   It was designed in response to the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom’s call to revitalise England’s bus services, and combat a decline in usage that has seen the most-used form of public transport face an 11.9% fall in passenger volumes over the last decade. Buses are integral to everyday life in England, they connect our biggest cities and our most remote villages, spanning coastal, countryside and urban areas. So, driving innovation in this sector is critical because it creates opportunities to reduce emissions by private cars and improves accessibility everywhere.   And, from a technological point of view, its value extends further – this platform will form the bedrock of England’s transport data infrastructure for years to come, and it sets the standards for other open data platforms to follow, both in the UK and around the world.   #Innovation #Technology #OpenData #PublicTransport

Modern rolling stock carries hundreds of sensors, embedded controllers, and connected systems that interact with signaling, passenger Wi-Fi, ticketing, and maintenance networks. This evolution has improved efficiency and passenger comfort, but it has also opened a new cyber battleground. Attacks that were once aimed at back-office IT systems now target train control systems, onboard diagnostics, and even communication protocols like GSM-R and its successor, FRMCS. The railway sector has already seen wake-up calls. In 2022, a ransomware attack on a regional train operator forced service delays and manual traffic control. In 2024, a vulnerability disclosure showed that insecure firmware updates on onboard controllers could allow remote manipulation of braking systems. These incidents illustrate that railway cybersecurity is no longer hypothetical; it is a real operational risk. Resilience starts with architecture. Segmenting train networks is critical, separating passenger Wi-Fi and infotainment systems from safety-critical control domains, and isolating signaling communication from external entry points. The IEC 62443 framework provides a strong foundation, defining zones and conduits that restrict access and limit lateral movement. EN 50159 and TS 50701 add railway-specific guidance, covering secure transmission protocols and lifecycle security management tailored to signaling and rolling stock. Zero Trust principles are increasingly being applied to railway operations, verifying identities and device health before granting access to critical systems. Strong encryption, secure boot, and signed firmware updates are essential to protect embedded devices from tampering. Additionally, the use of intrusion detection tailored to operational technology networks is helping operators detect malicious activity quickly, even in environments where patching cycles are slower due to safety certification constraints. Another critical layer is supply chain assurance. Rolling stock manufacturers depend on a complex network of component suppliers, and a compromised subsystem can introduce vulnerabilities that bypass perimeter defenses. Security audits, SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials), and contractual security requirements are becoming standard to manage this risk. Looking forward, the integration of FRMCS, the next-generation mobile communication system for rail, adds both opportunity and complexity. While FRMCS offers stronger encryption and flexible bandwidth, its IP-based architecture increases exposure to internet-style attacks. Proactive measures, like continuous monitoring, red teaming, and vulnerability disclosure programs, will be key to staying ahead. Railway operators, infrastructure managers, and manufacturers must treat cybersecurity as part of operational safety. The line between digital and physical security has blurred. #RailwaySecurity #CyberResilience #RollingStock #OTSecurity #IEC62443 #EN50159 #TS50701 #CriticalInfrastructure

There is often a great focus on the carrier alliances on the main east-west trades wheres regional collaborations rarely hit the spotlight. But reality is that there are a large number of regional agreements between different carriers - and this is part of the reason why so many carriers are able to offer a very granular network to their clients. During the extremes of the capacity shortages and historically high freight rates there were increasing voices claiming that alliances were tantamount to collusion and that they should be banned. But alliances are mainly large vessel sharing agreements - should smaller VSAs and slotswaps then also be banned as they are conceptually the same? This would result in a world where shippers using smaller ports would be unable to find any single carrier able to move their cargo end to end and instead have to arrange transshipments between different carriers on their own. This new announcement from Zim and MSC illustrates well the “grey middle area” - the collaboration does not cover as large a span as the alliances, but is clearly more than an agreement on just a single tradelane https://lnkd.in/e5MDaEjW

Most people still get supply chain wrong. They think it’s just trucks, warehouses, and orders. That's incomplete. ✓ Supply chain is a structured system of core functions, cross-functional enablers, and strategic design. This infographic explains 8 core functions you need to know: (1) Procurement and Purchasing ↳ Strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier development, purchase order processing. (2) Production and Manufacturing Planning ↳ Production scheduling, MRP, process design, quality control, performance metrics. (3) Warehousing and Fulfillment ↳ Warehouse layout, slotting, automation, WMS, same-day fulfillment. (4) Transport and Logistics ↳ Freight management, route optimization, last-mile delivery, GPS tracking. (5) Demand and Supply Planning ↳ Forecasting, S&OP, IBP, inventory policy design. (6) Inventory Management ↳ Economic order quantity, safety stock, cycle counting, inventory classification. (7) Order Management ↳ Order processing, omni-channel sync, customer service, returns management. (8) Risk and Compliance ↳ Risk assessment, trade regulations, customs compliance, cybersecurity controls. 📌You cannot optimize performance without considering the enablers that connect these functions. Cross-Functional Enablers: (1) Sustainability ↳ Reducing emissions across transport, ethical sourcing, waste reduction in packaging. (2) Digitalization ↳ Using AI for forecasting, automating order processing, real-time shipment visibility. Strategic Enablers: (1) Supply Chain Network Design ↳ Location strategy, flow path optimization, scenario modeling for disruption planning. 📝For example, if your inventory team focuses only on stock levels but ignores supplier performance, you risk frequent stockouts. If your transport team optimizes routes but neglects last-mile delivery data, customer service declines. 💡True supply chain strength is built by linking every function with data, technology, and clear strategy. Ask yourself: ✓ Do you have full visibility across all these functions? ✓ Is your supply chain designed to adapt when risks emerge? ✓ Are your cross-functional enablers aligned with your business goals? Use this framework to assess where you stand and where you need to improve. #SupplyChainManagement #SupplyChainPlanning #Logistics #InventoryManagement #Procurement

Air, Land & Sea connectivity is critical for continued movement of persons & supplies across the world. The Parliament of Singapore has passed the Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Bill to emplace measures to enhance resilience of essential transport services in Singapore & guard against future disruptions. This covers important firms whose services are not readily replaceable. For maritime, this includes port & marine services, and services supporting sea transport. The Bill provides legislative levers to mitigate the risk of actors exerting undue influence over these entities, & ensure commercial decisions do not jeopardise ability to provide essential transport services: 👥 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐬 Authorities will have oversight of significant changes in effective control of such firms. Any person who becomes a substantial shareholder (5% ownership) must notify the respective Authority. Approval must be sought prior for anyone intending to become or cease being a 25%, 50% or 75% controller, or intending to be an indirect controller; and acquisition of any part of the firm’s business relating to provision of essential transport services. 👨✈️ 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐬 Authorities to be apprised of changes to key personnel responsible for management of critical transport firms, & operations affecting the continued provision of essential transport services. Approval needed for appointment of key personnel identified for these designated entities. 🛠️ 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐬 Controls introduced to ensure these firms can operate under all circumstances, even in crisis. Firms must notify Authorities of any material developments so they are aware of risks that can impair transport, & can take early mitigation measures. Authorities must be notified if material functions in providing such services are outsourced, or if they face events or legal proceedings that could impair services. Step-In-Powers also allow Authorities to intervene to ensure service continuity in extreme scenarios, such as if entities become unable to provide essential transport services safely & reliably. Such powers will only be exercised when required & not meant to interfere in commercial operations in the normal course of business. Specific firms providing such services have been consulted & the list of designated entities will be finalised by end 2024. This complements the Significant Investments Review Act passed by Parliament in Jan 2024 which covers local/foreign investments into entities deemed critical for national security. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will continue working closely with MaritimeSG stakeholders including unions & businesses to ensure continued sea connectivity of Singapore, to ensure trade continues even in times of crisis, & serve the needs of the intl community as a critical node in the global supply chain. https://lnkd.in/gAwC46Ky

Multimodal logistics is often misunderstood. It is seen as slow, complex, or difficult to coordinate. But in reality, when it’s done correctly, with integrated systems and smart working data, multimodal is not only more efficient but also essential to the future of resilient, sustainable supply chains. Across Europe, we’re proving that multimodal logistics isn’t simply about connecting ports, rail, and inland hubs: it’s about orchestrating them through a single, intelligent ecosystem. This enables seamless handovers and lower carbon emissions, resulting in greater reliability for our customers. Take our inland hubs across the region. Moving more cargo via rail, supported by real-time visibility and predictive data, we’re helping businesses decarbonise without compromising speed or service. It’s not just about moving goods from one location to another, it's about thinking how we get them there and why we choose to do it that way. This approach is helping our customers navigate rising costs, regulatory pressure, and shifting consumer expectations. It offers a blueprint for the wider industry: logistics that are not only connected but also integrated. Multimodality isn’t a complex process. It’s a smarter and more strategic way forward.

Imagine strolling down a street in China and spotting a small, bright-yellow electric van humming along - completely driverless! These so-called “Little Yellow EVs” are part of a new approach to last-mile delivery, the crucial (and often most expensive) final stretch of getting packages or meals right to your doorstep. Equipped with self-driving technology, these compact vehicles aim to cut labor costs, reduce delivery times, and shrink carbon footprints. But why is this such a big deal? Traditional delivery methods often involve multiple handoffs and extra steps that slow things down and add expenses. Autonomous vehicles operating on sidewalks or bike lanes can simplify the process, boosting efficiency and freeing up human couriers for more complex tasks. Plus, the use of electric power helps lower emissions - an increasingly important goal in busy urban areas. If these pilot programs continue to thrive, it’s likely that you’ll start seeing similar driverless delivery vans in other cities around the globe. Of course, questions about safety, regulations, and public acceptance remain - technology moves fast, but communities need to keep pace with smart policies and trust-building measures. Have you come across any self-driving delivery vehicles in your neighborhood yet? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

Securing the Transport Sector !!! The EU state of cybersecurity report shows that Transport Sector is the second most targeted sector (at 11 percent) during the previous year. It includes rail, aviation, maritime, and road systems. Which are increasingly interconnected, making it a prime target for cyber threats. With operational technology (OT) merging with IT, vulnerabilities in legacy systems and emerging technologies pose risks to safety, continuity, and national security. Top Risks in Transport Cybersecurity: 1. Critical System Breaches: Attacks on signaling systems, GPS, or automated controls can cause disruptions or accidents. 2. Ransomware: Threat actors target passenger systems and logistics operations for maximum impact. 3. Third-Party Vulnerabilities: Supply chain dependencies and contractors introduce new risks. What can we do to ensure resilience: ✏️ Layered Defense: Implement robust defense-in-depth strategies to secure endpoints, networks, and critical systems. ✏️ Standards Adherence: Ensure compliance with frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework, IEC 62443, and ISO 27001 for OT environments. ✏️ Threat Intelligence: Leverage sector-specific intelligence to preemptively address emerging threats. ✏️ Incident Preparedness: Regularly test incident response and recovery plans under simulated attack conditions. Key areas to focus: ✏️ Segmented Networks: Isolate operational networks to limit exposure. ✏️ Real-Time Monitoring: Deploy solutions for anomaly detection and rapid containment. ✏️ Supply Chain Security: Strengthen vetting processes for vendors and contractors. To ensure resilience, we need to go beyond protection—it’s about enabling trust in the systems that move people and goods worldwide. Proactive measures today ensure secure, uninterrupted journeys tomorrow. What are your strategies for tackling transport sector cybersecurity challenges? #TransportSecurity #CyberResilience #CriticalInfrastructure #OTSecurity

India's urban congestion is escalating due to the rapid rise in private vehicle ownership. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) reported a 9.5% annual growth in vehicle registrations, with Ahmedabad alone seeing over 1.5 lakh new vehicles yearly. This surge calls for a paradigm shift in how we approach urban mobility. Financial sustainability is key to transforming public transport systems into self-sustaining entities. Revenue diversification is crucial, and successful models like Transport for London, which generates substantial revenue through advertising and corporate partnerships, provide valuable insights. Indian systems are adopting similar strategies—premium services, advertising, and monetizing public spaces in metro and bus terminals are becoming vital revenue streams. Public transport networks can also play a role in logistics. The Indian Railways’ shift towards freight corridors, earning more from cargo than passengers, exemplifies this potential. By using existing bus and train networks for cargo, developing parcel hubs, and collaborating with e-commerce platforms, India's transport systems could not only ease urban congestion but also create new revenue streams. The future of mobility lies in multi-modal transport solutions. These integrated systems—comprising buses, trains, cycling, and shared mobility—offer the way forward. Projects like the Ahmedabad and Mumbai Metro expansions are pivotal in this vision. Mumbai's suburban trains, carrying over 7.5 million passengers daily, reduce the need for private vehicles. If replicated across cities, such solutions will be key to alleviating congestion. Cycling presents an untapped opportunity. Global cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have set the bar, with over 40% of commuters cycling daily. Indian cities like Indore, Pune, and Bengaluru are already integrating cycling lanes and bike-sharing systems, promoting eco-friendly mobility. This shift can reduce fuel costs, lower pollution, and enhance public health, but challenges like safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure must be addressed. Shared mobility and electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming urban transport. Cities like Paris, where e-scooters replace millions of car trips annually, offer a glimpse into the future. Bengaluru and Hyderabad have already seen a 20-30% increase in shared mobility adoption. India is accelerating this shift with over 2,000 electric buses deployed under the FAME-II scheme in Gujarat. Digitalization plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of urban transport. Real-time passenger information, smart ticketing, online payments, and AI-based route optimization are now part of modern transport networks. The evolution of urban mobility in India is not just about reducing traffic but about creating a sustainable, efficient, and integrated transport ecosystem for the future. #publictransportation #electricvehicle #logistics #metro #multimodaltransport

The Mobility Pyramid 🔺 The Mobility Pyramid presents a clear visual guide for sustainable transportation planning. At its peak, high-emission travel options like air and sea travel are recommended for minimal use due to their significant environmental impact. Descending the pyramid, private cars are recognized as more accessible yet still contribute substantially to urban emissions. Public transportation, represented by buses and trains, occupies the middle tier, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative by transporting large numbers of passengers efficiently. Investment in this sector is critical for reducing individual carbon footprints and easing city congestion. The foundation of the Mobility Pyramid emphasizes walking, cycling, and personal mobility devices as the cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility. These low-impact modes are essential in the development of walkable cities, where the health of the planet and the well-being of its inhabitants are paramount. This hierarchy is not merely theoretical; it is a practical framework for action. It advocates for prioritizing investments in public transportation and the infrastructure for walking and cycling as the most relevant and impactful solutions for sustainability. By shifting focus to these foundational elements, cities can address environmental concerns, enhance urban livability, and promote the health of both people and the planet. Image source: JAJA Architects #sustainability #sustainable #mobility #transportation #climatechange #climateaction #esg #sdgs