West Midlands 5G (WM5G) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) have partnered to award funding for the development and deployment of 5G-enabled technology that is designed to enhance road, rail and bus usage across the region.
Some six transport projects have been awarded a share of the £1.6m fund. This includes a scheme to introduce autonomous information robots at Birmingham New Street station.
Another project looks to develop solutions using smart camera systems that will help manage overcrowding on buses. Others include the use of connected technology and smart sensors to quickly identify track and power line defects on the region’s rail and tram networks.
Set to take place over the next 12 months, each project includes a minimum of three months of user or product testing within the West Midlands to verify its benefit to operators and travellers.
According to WM5G, all projects will use 5G’s low latency, greater bandwidth and increased capacity to generate significant social benefits, with a particular focus on improving health and safety.
While some projects will look at enhancing traveller experience, others will develop a more efficient and smoother movement of passengers, helping to increase confidence in the use of public transport post-Covid.
Digital infrastructure minister Matt Warman, said: “The idea of robots roaming railway stations and assisting passengers might sound like science fiction, but it could soon be a reality thanks to the government investing up to £20m in West Midlands 5G.
“These innovative projects will explore how 5G can make public transport better for both passengers and staff, including by making it easier for disabled people to travel, reducing overcrowding on buses and detecting hazards on the railways.”
As a partnership, TfWM and WM5G are working to drive the ongoing adoption of 5G within the region’s transport network to further improve passengers’ travel experience.
Chris Lane, head of transport innovation at TfWM, added: “The awarding of this funding demonstrates the scope that 5G technology can offer in developing and enhancing transport across the West Midlands.
“These trials have the potential to revolutionise the way our regional transport systems operate, with the use of 5G across our transport system promising to create greater efficiencies and solidify the West Midlands as one of the most innovative regions in the UK.”
The six projects are set to expand on the work already undertaken by the seven transport projects which were previously awarded a share of £2.4m by WM5G and which are currently underway.
