Category Archives: Transport Tech

Fleet Management, News, Telematics, Transport, Transport Tech

Surecam Enhances Coaching System with New Driver App to Transform AI Video Telematics

SureCam, the leading provider of video telematics solutions, has launched a mobile app as part of its AI-powered coaching system to help drivers better understand their performance behind the wheel and target road safety improvements. The sophisticated communication tool will provide automated coaching workflows – with personalised remediation and escalation paths – so drivers receive the guidance needed to correct high-risk behaviours.

 

“Our coaching system has transformed how fleets use the footage and data generated by AI video telematics. It is eliminating up to 70% of vehicle alerts, and with the introduction of our mobile app, we can free up even more time and make the entire process much more manageable,” explains John Weldon, President of SureCam. “This latest innovation will supercharge our AI coaching tool – already proven to cut high-risk driving events in half and dramatically reduce vehicle collisions – by supporting those drivers that need it most.”

 

The mobile app will enable fleets to take a stepped response to harsh driving and driver distraction alerts – triggered by an AI dashcam – with automated actions based on type, severity and frequency. It will be possible to fully customise all communications including warnings for initial violations or lower risk events, followed by requests to view a training video, complete a coaching quiz or attend an in-person meeting for repeat offenders. The driver will also be able to access all event footage; provide feedback using two-way messaging; and view an individual performance score with peer group comparisons.

 

Detailed records of all communications and remediations will be available via SureCam’s AI coaching system, with a breakdown of coaching assignments – when sent and completed or if it is overdue – to keep track of driver compliance. A comprehensive reporting package will also enable a fleet to analyse results and calculate precise ROI figures in terms of risk reduction and time saved.

 

“Our mobile app significantly reduces fleet-related workload, while measurably improving results, by automating and streamlining coaching processes and driver engagement. This will form an important part of our AI coaching proposition moving forward, providing an added layer of support and a better way of managing driver safety using video telematics insight,” adds Weldon.

Driving Tech, Transport Tech

Navigating Complexity: How GIS is Revolutionising Large-Scale Transport Infrastructure Projects

Written by Frank Kennedy, VP North America Vertical Markets, and Christoph Kiedl, VP EMEA Vertical Markets, VertiGIS

Large-scale transport infrastructure projects often face inefficiencies, cost overruns, and sustainability issues, frustrating stakeholders. In the UK, High Speed 2 (HS2) exemplifies this with its delays, spiralling costs, environmental concerns, and planning complications. Likewise, the California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) project is often compared to the UK’s HS2 due to its ambitious scope, delays, environmental concerns, and planning challenges. CHSR was designed to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles, and it aimed to reduce congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a sustainable alternative to car and air travel.

But despite initial estimates of $33 billion, the costs have ballooned to between $88.5 billion and $127.9 billion. While state and federal funding have supported the project, political scrutiny has led to uncertainty over future financial backing. Like HS2, CHSR has faced public scepticism, environmental concerns, and political debates over its feasibility and cost-effectiveness. However, if completed, it could serve as a blueprint for high-speed rail expansion across the US.

The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) recently published a study that examines how transport networks have evolved over the last 55 years, emphasising their role in international trade and supply chain resilience. It outlines how efficient transport systems help countries remain interconnected, mitigating disruptions from conflicts and climate change. It highlights how high-quality transport infrastructure is vital for economic development, influencing supply chain efficiency and industrial activity. So, how can these vital large-scale and necessary transport projects be successfully implemented on time and budget?

GIS Technology is A Game Changer 

This is where Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has become a game-changer for modern transport infrastructure, fundamentally improving how cities, governments, businesses, and regions plan, develop, and maintain their networks.

GIS technology offers a transformative solution for revolutionising transport infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance. By integrating spatial data into data-driven decision-making processes, GIS improves route planning efficiency, asset management, and real-time traffic monitoring. GIS also reduces costs, boosts efficiency, and advances sustainability goals in large transportation projects and plays a critical role in overcoming common pitfalls in infrastructure development, delivering smarter, more resilient transport networks. GIS can help achieve this in several ways:

Route Planning Optimisation

GIS aids planners in designing efficient transport routes by analysing spatial data such as traffic patterns, population density, and environmental constraints. By integrating this data into simulations and predictive models, governments and authorities can identify bottlenecks and optimise road networks for smoother traffic flow. They can also plan new public routes based on commuter demand and urban growth projects, and improve connectivity between transport modes (bus, rail, cycling) for seamless mobility.

Asset Management and Maintenance

Transport infrastructure, from roads to bridges and railway lines, requires continuous monitoring and maintenance. GIS enhances asset management by providing geospatial inventories of transport assets to track their condition and lifespan. It also enables predictive maintenance by analysing historical data to foresee wear and tear and facilitate efficient repair scheduling, minimising disruptions for commuters.  

Real-Time Traffic Monitoring

With GIS integrated into traffic monitoring systems, transport authorities and businesses can leverage real-time data for dynamic decision-making. For example, GIS-driven sensors and cameras provide live insights into congestion, allowing adaptive traffic signal control and smart traffic monitoring. Authorities can quickly respond to accidents or breakdowns by rerouting vehicles and dispatching emergency services effectively, whilst public transport tracking enables commuters to benefit from real-time bus and train tracking, enhancing transit reliability.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

GIS also supports sustainable transport initiatives by reducing carbon emissions through optimised routes and improved public transit planning. It enables authorities to assess environmental impact to minimise disruptions to natural ecosystems during infrastructure projects. Additionally, it encourages smart city developments with integrated GIS solutions for sustainable urban mobility.

Several cities around the world have successfully integrated GIS into their transportation planning and management. For example, Portland in Oregon leveraged GIS to create a comprehensive transportation management system that optimises public transit, cycling, and road networks. The city’s GIS-powered Interactive Transportation System Map helps officials to analyse traffic patterns and predict congestion zones, plan bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly routes and monitor public transit performance, ensuring efficient services.

Another example is Transport for London (TfL), which uses GIS extensively to manage its complex road network and congestion zones. TfL integrates spatial data with real-time traffic analytics to adjust traffic signal timing dynamically; optimising bus routes based on commuter demand and providing live traffic updates to drivers via online maps and apps.

VertiGIS has been involved in several transport-related GIS projects. One notable example is the City of Orem, Utah, which implemented VertiGIS technology to create a pothole-free city. The city needed a more efficient way to track and repair potholes, as pavement failures often start with small cracks. Using VertiGIS Studio and Novotx’s Elements XS, Orem developed a web-based pothole reporting system. Now, residents can report potholes by dropping a point on a public-facing GIS map. The system automatically generates service orders, notifying repair crews in real time. Repairs are completed within 48 hours, significantly improving road conditions. Historical pothole data helps predict road deterioration, allowing for proactive maintenance.

Future Innovations

With advancements in artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data analytics, GIS is evolving to enable autonomous vehicle navigation, predictive urban planning, and smart mobility solutions, paving the way for next-generation transport systems. By leveraging GIS for transport planning, cities can build efficient, sustainable, and adaptable infrastructure networks that meet the demands of growing populations while optimising resources, delivering on time and to budget to avoid any negativity that often comes with these large-scale, complex projects.

 

Aerospace, EVs, International News, Logistics, Midlands News, News, Technology, Transport Tech, Travel

Aurrigo International plc’s revenues take off with demand for its autonomous vehicles rising

One of the UK’s leading providers of transport technology solutions has reported a 34% increase in revenue, with ten of its autonomous vehicles now operating across the world.

 

Aurrigo International plc, which employs more than 110 people at its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry and across technical offices in Canada, the US and Singapore, has seen sales for its last financial year hit £8.9m,

 

This has been boosted by several commercial agreements with airports to deploy its digital simulation platform Auto-Sim® and its Auto-DollyTug® electric vehicle for moving luggage and cargo around terminals.

Auto-DollyTug® electric vehicle

Growth in its autonomous division (up 433%) was the real highlight of 2024 and this was supported by another strong performance in automotive, where the company continues to supply precision components and wiring harnesses to a host of car makers and tier 1s.

 

The encouraging results provide the perfect platform for the firm to drive ongoing technology development, with a focus on expanding its footprint in aviation and to help airlines, airport and ground handling operators achieve improved efficiencies, better environmental performance and, importantly, an enhanced customer experience.

 

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, commented: “2024 was another year of real progress, supported by significant revenue growth in our autonomous division. Awareness around the benefits of autonomous technology across airside operations is growing rapidly, helping to support our progress and the long-term outlook for the business.

 

“Both our product and commercial teams have worked tirelessly this year to expand our customer base and improve and broaden our product range. With first mover advantage, a growing range of proof points and industry support, our go-to-market capability is stronger than ever.”

 

Aurrigo International has continued to make good progress in the new financial year, with Aviation Solutions B.V the latest deal to be announced. This has seen Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Sim® formally approved to be marketed across its network of 60+ airports.

 

Testing and validation are already underway at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the focus now moves towards commercialising this proven technology to airports worldwide.

Auto-Cargo®

April also saw the global unveiling of Auto-Cargo® in Coventry. This is the company’s largest ever autonomous vehicle and can carry a total payload of 16,500kg, using precision automation, advanced obstacle detection, and real-time fleet coordination to optimise on-the-ground performance.

 

Backed by funding from Innovate UK and CCAV, the new vehicle’s next stop is to move heavy cargo loads to and from aircraft at UPS’ hub at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second largest cargo terminal.

 

David concluded: “Aurrigo has first-mover advantage in intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) and, when you combine this with our expansive technology offering and proof point delivery at seven airports globally, we are in an ideal position to capitalise on this emerging market opportunity.”

—

Notice of Investor Presentation

David Keene, Chief Executive Officer, will host a presentation and Q&A relating to the Company’s results at 11:00am on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

 

The presentation will enable existing and prospective investors the opportunity to listen to management discuss the Group’s full year results. Questions can be submitted pre-event via the Investor Meet Company dashboard up until 9:00am the day before the meeting or at any time during the live presentation.

 

To sign up to the presentation via Investor Meet Company please register using the following link:https://www.investormeetcompany.com/aurrigo-international-plc/register-investor

 

Business, EVs and Automotive News, Tech, Technology, Transport, Transport Tech

FleetEV launch new salary sacrifice platform

Leading electric vehicle (EV) specialist, FleetEV, has launched an in-house technology platform specifically designed to support salary sacrifice schemes for SMEs and the public sector.

Offering a flexible, tax-efficient way for workforces to make the switch, FleetEV specialises in everything electric including comprehensive leasing and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs.

From a financial perspective, salary sacrifice schemes provide tax efficiencies for all involved, as employers can take advantage of National Insurance (NI) savings, while employees benefit from reduced income tax and NI contributions.

One of the standout features of FleetEV’s new platform is its ability to provide real-time, accurate quotes using tax code and salary information, rather than relying on estimates, ensuring employees know exactly what they are committing to, eliminating any financial uncertainty. Employers, too, can trust the integrity of the platform, knowing that there will be no unexpected financial discrepancies.

Additionally, the platform can be ‘white labelled’, allowing businesses to brand the platform as their own. This not only builds trust among employees but allows easy integration into each company’s existing HR or benefits infrastructure.

The technology also automates key processes, minimising the administrative burden on employers and allowing them to focus on their core operations.

Jarrad Morris, CEO and Founder at FleetEV, said: “Our new salary sacrifice platform is intuitive, efficient, and designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for businesses to adopt and manage.

“In contrast to generic leasing solutions, our proprietary platform offers a seamless, fully managed experience tailored to the unique needs of salary sacrifice. By removing upfront costs and incorporating essentials like insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover, it simplifies and enhances the transition to electric vehicles for any business.

“By adopting our platform, businesses can streamline their benefits management while simultaneously supporting their sustainability goals.”

 

FleetEV’s salary sacrifice platform is highly flexible and can be adapted to suit a business’ needs as they grow. For more information visit www.fleetev.com

Business, Transport, Transport Tech

Veezu returns to Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club as club sponsor

VEEZU, south Wales’ leading private hire platform, is returning as the club sponsor for Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club’s upcoming season.

 

Whitchurch Heath has four Senior league sides and a thriving youth section that runs teams at ages under 9, 11, 13 and 15. They are dedicated to playing competitive cricket in a welcoming, inclusive and social atmosphere in the north Cardiff suburb.

 

This marks Veezu’s third year of sponsoring the club through its ‘Funded by Veezu’ programme, an initiative in which organisations, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

 

The sponsorship will go on to fund day-to-day expenses such as ground maintenance and equipment.

 

Peter Bryon, Whitchurch Heath Chair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Veezu once again and are very grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to WHCC. This sponsorship is invaluable to us as we can invest in the club’s grounds and facilities to improve the overall experience for our members.”

 

Sally Krouma, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are very excited to be continuing this partnership and supporting Whitchurch Heath in their upcoming season. Funded by Veezu is all about reaching out to our local communities and supporting them in any way we can. It’s wonderful to see another great organisation benefit from the programme, and we look forward to seeing this partnership develop even further.”

Business, Transport, Transport Tech

Veezu headlines Solihull Music Festival as official ride partner

Veezu, the Midlands’ leading private hire operator, is the headline sponsor and official ride partner for the Solihull Music Festival through its new partnership with Solihull BID.

 

The Solihull Business Improvement District (Solihull BID) is a not-for-profit organisation, with a voluntary board of directors to represent the town’s businesses. The group works to improve and promote the town centre of Solihull. For the past 13 years, the work of Solihull BID has resulted in a reduction in crime, increase in footfall and the introduction of a thriving events calendar, such as the Solihull Music Festival.

 

The partnership arose from a mutual agreement between Veezu and Solihull BID to address the need to make travel easier for businesses and locals in and around Solihull.

 

Through its partnership, Veezu is sponsoring six events with Solihull BID. Marking its first event, Veezu will be the official ride partner of Solihull Music Festival on 20-23 June.

 

Veezu will be providing safe, reliable and convenient travel for festivalgoers for the whole weekend, with £5 off rides for event visitors and Solihull BID VIP Membership card holders. Rides can be booked through the Veezu app, available here.

 

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, said: “We are delighted to have the established brand of Veezu join us as our official ride partner for our town centre events.

 

“We know how many people enjoy visiting Solihull for the calendar of iconic events and now we are able to offer tailored discounts for those choosing to arrive in style with a Veezu taxi. Great partnership working makes Solihull the destination of choice for fun and relaxation without the worry of or restrictions of driving. Now, bring on the sunshine.”

 

Letitia Young, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager for Veezu, said: “We are very excited to be the official ride partner for Solihull BID and the Solihull Music Festival. This partnership further marks our commitment toward strengthening our ties with the local community in Solihull. We are especially proud to be playing a part in making travel easier for Solihull locals, and ensuring that more people can enjoy the fantastic events taking place in the town. Keep an eye out for us at future Solihull BID events.”

Business News, Driving, Driving Tech, EVs and Automotive News, Transport, Transport Tech, Travel, UK

Veezu teams up with Seatfrog to end the anxiety with trains and taxis

The travel duo join forces to upgrade passengers’ journeys from home to destination.

 

Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire taxi technology platform, and Seatfrog, the rail ticketing app revolutionising train travel are excited to announce a strategic partnership to end the anxiety with trains and taxis.

 

From today, Seatfrog’s cutting-edge technology will be connected to Veezu’s extensive vehicle network, taking passengers from their home straight to the best seats on trains and then directly into a Veezu car on arrival at the best price available.

 

The partnership will eliminate the headache many passengers face across the UK, waiting in endless taxi queues or missing taxis because their train is running late, by connecting train journeys and taxi network data for the first time. Passengers’ rides will automatically connect to their rail departure and arrival times, so they can step out of the train station straight into their waiting Veezu ride.

 

Veezu passengers will also be able to easily upgrade their train tickets to first class on the way to the station, from as little as £13 – with Seatfrog’s unique app features, where Brits have saved over £80 million on first class upgrades.

 

Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu, commented, “Partnering with Seatfrog is an exciting step towards redefining travel in key UK cities. Together, we’re going to make it easier than ever for passengers to enjoy an integrated journey and sit in the best seats on the train.”

 

Seatfrog’s CEO, Iain Griffin, added, “Journeys should be easy, but in the UK, we’re constantly reminded that we’re mere mortals every time we jump off a train to catch a taxi – long queues, no vehicles available, surge pricing, stress. No one has seamlessly connected taxis to train journeys, changing that is long overdue.”

 

For more information about the collaboration between Veezu and Seatfrog visit https://www.veezu.co.uk/partners/seatfrog  and www.seatfrog.com/veezu.

Midlands, Transport, Transport Tech, Travel

Veezu crosses the finish line into partnership with Wolverhampton Racecourse

VEEZU, the Midlands’ leading private hire operator, is bolstering its partnership with Wolverhampton Racecourse as official ride partner and sponsor.

 

Upgrading its existing partnership, Veezu will be making travel even easier for hotel and racecourse visitors. For ease of booking, guests can request their Veezu vehicle from the grounds, through the pre-existing ride booker device located in the hotel’s reception. With the introduction of a new pick-up point, located outside of Holiday Inn Wolverhampton – Racecourse’s entrance, guests will now have instant and convenient access to their ride.

 

In addition to providing reliable transport, Veezu has sponsored the course’s finishing posts, with signage having launched last month.

 

Formerly known as Go Carz, this sponsorship is one of many that Veezu’s Midlands branch has made since rebranding, as it extends its links in the local community.

 

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director at Veezu, said: “We are very excited to extend our partnership with Wolverhampton Racecourse and support the many fantastic events and experiences hosted at the grounds throughout the year. This partnership is one of many that brings us closer to our goal of providing safe, reliable and convenient transport to passengers across the Midlands, and we look forward to further easing travel for Midlands locals and visitors.”

 

David Ideson, Executive Director at Wolverhampton Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Veezu as official ride partner and sponsor. This partnership will ensure that all guests can have the best experience possible, and not have to worry about their race day travel. The team at Veezu have been wonderful to work with already and I look forward to our future events with them.”

News, Technology, Transport, Transport Tech

Network Rail Embraces AI: Oakland’s Partnership Marks a New Era in Rail Industry Innovation

Oakland, a leading Microsoft Data and AI SolutionsPartner, are collaborating with Network Rail to address the challenges of knowledge management within the rail industry.  Leveraging the power of AI, Oakland has developed a solution to revolutionise how Network Rail harnesses its wealth of information and insights.

Network Rail has just started their new financial period (CP7) – committing an investment of £44 billion in the UK railway infrastructure throughout 2024 to 2029. This significant investment aims to achieve ambitious goals, including a 20% reduction in delays, a 30% increase in capacity, and a 70% decrease in carbon emissions.*

Like many complex organisations, Network Rail faced challenges when it came to managing valuable information and how it was stored across various formats such as PDF and video, meaning there was an opportunity to better leverage these as data sources. Acknowledging the broader challenges faced by Network Rail, Oakland identified an opportunity to leverage AI to share insights from past projects before and throughout the lifecycle of new projects. This proactive strategy is designed to prevent issues later in the project timeline, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.

The project harnesses generative AI capabilities to allow users to interact with the language model through a dynamic chatbot interface. This solution enables users to pose queries and receive tailored responses drawing from Network Rail’s extensive library of thousands of learned lessons and valuable data sources. Powered by cutting-edge AI algorithms and Azure AI Services, it represents a significant advancement in knowledge management not just in the rail industry, but with the potential to be deployed across all sectors.

Having worked together for over a decade, at the heart of the partnership with Network Rail and Oakland thrives on a shared goal of innovation and operational excellence, driving industry-leading solutions and best practices. 

Jack Evans, Principal Consultant at Oakland, adds

“Network Rail saw knowledge management as a prime candidate for AI. By placing AI at the heart of the solution, they can unlock a wealth of possibilities to make a real, positive impact for years to come. This is a game-changer for sharing and leveraging knowledge across the organisation.”

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, Network Rail remains steadfast in its dedication to innovation to improve collaboration in the organisation and seek efficiencies. Implementing AI-driven knowledge management solutions reflects the commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to propel the rail industry forward.

Mo Momodu, Programme Manager – Rail Infrastructure Centre of Excellence, shares;

“The deployment of generative AI capability within the learning from lessons library will transform the way we harness knowledge, enrich insights, and encourage cross-industry learning”

Logistics, Logistics Tech, News, Transport, Transport Tech

Middlegate Europe Selects Surecam Video Telematics To Protect Fleet and Drivers

Middlegate Europe, the international transport and logistics specialist, is targeting insurance, safety and efficiency improvements with a video telematics solution from SureCam. The company has installed forward-facing dashcams on its UK fleet of over 40 HGVs to capture vital video evidence of driving incidents and gain access to advanced GPS tracking. This will help Middlegate to safeguard drivers, vehicles and other road users, along with the reputation of the business.

 

“We needed a camera solution to effectively dispute liability and challenge 50/50 or false claims by providing complete visibility of what has taken place,” explains Ricky Gatrill, Transport & Operations Manager at Middlegate Europe Ltd. “The SureCam system, however, gives us so much more, meaning we can use it to influence driving behaviour and support the wellbeing of our team on the road.”

 

The forward-facing dashcam captures footage and supporting vehicle data for all collisions, near misses and harsh driving events, enabling Middlegate to better handle insurance claims, investigate complaints and improve driver performance. The driver scoring feature is helping the company to alter behaviour by identifying those drivers that would benefit from engagement or training. Meanwhile, real-time tracking and live view allows Middlegate to check on the welfare of drivers and vehicles.

 

“SureCam has worked closely with us to develop and roll-out a reliable and simple to use camera solution that meets the needs of our transport, health and safety, and customer service teams. They are always on hand to provide support and have proved to be a fantastic technology partner,” adds Gatrill.

 

Joshua Godfrey, National Sales Manager UK at SureCam commented: “We are partner of choice for a growing number of road transport operations, based on our ability to create industry-leading video telematics that improves safety, limits liability, reduces costs, and maximises performance. As a result, companies, such as Middlegate Europe, are using our technology solutions to protect their drivers and businesses, as well as the communities and customers they serve.”