Ryan Hood, digital highways leader at global engineering consultancy Arup, looks at pioneering research for the Department for Transport on the transformational impact data-driven digital twins could have on the way we design, manage and experience integrated transport networks
The transport sector is on the cusp of a transformative revolution. Some 79% of drivers say they would use public transport if it was better. New technologies such as digital twins support the realisation of these better outcomes. Capable of creating virtual replicas of physical systems, digital twins offer the potential to improve the UK’s public transport efficiency across all modes.
As highlighted in our recent report for the Department of Transport, Integrated Network Management Digital Twin: Economic Benefits Analysis, the technology could optimise how our networks operate by enabling seamless multimodal integration, improving incident management and unlocking the powerful benefits of data.
Seamless multimodal integration
One of the most exciting opportunities presented by digital twinning is the ability to integrate different modes of transport – surface, maritime and air traffic – into a unified system.
This integration is not just theoretical; it is already delivering measurable benefits. By optimising connections between buses, trains, trams, air travel and even active transport modes such as cycling and walking, digital twins can significantly reduce delays, congestion and emissions.
Passengers benefit from shorter journey times, fewer disruptions and a more reliable overall experience.
Real-time data sharing plays a central role in this integration. For example, Portsmouth City Council’s ferry tracking system uses digital twin approaches to monitor timetables and anomalies, supporting smoother transitions between maritime and road transport.
Meanwhile, Transport for London’s Surface Intelligent Transport System (SITS) demonstrates how digital twins can prioritise buses, improve traffic flow and enhance air quality across the capital.
This level of integration also supports wider societal goals, including reducing emissions and achieving net zero targets. By prioritising greener modes of transport and providing eco-routing options, digital twins offer a practical pathway to sustainable mobility.
Rapid incident and emergency response
Unplanned incidents, whether caused by adverse weather, collisions or infrastructure failures, are a common challenge for transport networks. Digital twins address this by providing transport operators with a comprehensive, real-time view of the network, enabling swift and coordinated responses to incidents and emergencies.
Centralised dashboards powered by digital twins consolidate incident data from multiple sources, allowing operators to identify problems quickly and deploy the necessary resources.
This capability is further enhanced by predictive tools that analyse historical and real-time data to anticipate and mitigate future disruptions.
Case studies such as Transport for West Midlands’ multimodal dashboard and incident management system highlight how digital twins can streamline communication between transport authorities, emergency services and government agencies.
These tools not only reduce disruption and improve safety but also enhance resilience by enabling faster recovery from major incidents.
Unlocking the power of data
At the heart of digital twin technology lies its ability to integrate and leverage vast amounts of data. They can enable collaboration between transport operators and with adjacent sectors, improving decision-making and supporting innovation.
Digital twins also facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, which can analyse transport patterns to optimise journeys and improve network performance.
Network Rail’s ENRICH programme, for instance, uses data-driven insights to enhance remote monitoring of rail infrastructure, reducing delays and maintenance costs.
By addressing barriers to data sharing and promoting interoperability, digital twins pave the way for a truly integrated and efficient transport system.
A roadmap to adopting digital twins in transport
While the benefits of digital twins at scale are becoming clearer, their full potential can only be realised through widespread adoption and collaboration. Challenges such as standardisation, interoperability and cross-sector cooperation must be addressed.
The good news is that the economic case for investment is strong. Our research indicates that implementing integrated transport digital twins could deliver £1.85bn in economic benefits at today’s prices over a decade, including gains from improved journey quality, reliability and environmental outcomes.
With all this evidence for improvement, digital twins need to be seen as more than just a technological innovation. Rather, they must be viewed as a paradigm shift in how we design, manage and experience transport.
By enabling seamless integration, enhancing emergency responses and unlocking the power of data, they can help deliver improved transport outcomes to a wider group of users.
The report was showcased in association with the Digital Twin Hub at Connected Places Catapult on 11 November.
