How a ‘digital twin’ in South Korea can help improve Liverpool's buses

A hi-tech collaboration between data scientists in Liverpool and South Korea has been set up to help improve bus journey times across the Liverpool City Region.

Boffins in Busan and at the University of Liverpool will create a ‘digital twin’ (digital replica) of the region’s transport system to accurately model the effects of different scenarios - such as route changes and fare reductions - to provide a better service, reduce journey times and encourage more people to take the bus. 

The ‘digital twin’ will use state-of-the-art data modelling techniques and real-time vehicle location data to help improve services. Hundreds of thousands of people use Liverpool City Region’s bus network each day, with around 82% of public transport journeys currently taken by bus.

The project will build on an accord between Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and his counterpart in the South Korean city of Busan, Park Heong-Joon, to co-operate in areas relating to digital innovation and smart cities, net zero and clean energy and health innovation.

Mr Rotheram said: “My vision has always been to provide faster, cheaper, safer and more reliable journeys for people travelling across the Liverpool City Region. We’re already starting to turn that vision into reality, taking back control of our buses, capping fares and launching the country’s most sophisticated local trains – which, by the way, are publicly owned.

“Before my re-election, I pledged to use cutting edge digital twin technology to help improve planning and public services across the region. This is our first foray. Working alongside our partners in South Korea and the University of Liverpool, this collaborative new project will help us make better, data-driven decisions to help provide the world class, London-style transport system our residents deserve.”