Driving a transport revolution
What's the future of getting from A to B?
Our cities are getting smarter. Driverless technology companies have already launched robotaxis in London, and the government has pledged to make it easier for services to run in the capital.
The result? Self-driving pilots could create almost 40,000 jobs, make roads safer and add billions to the economy.
But it doesn’t stop there. Technology and transport are coming together in what feels like a pivotal moment for the UK.
Deloitte is helping to drive this shift by bringing Formula 1 inspired analytics to Network Rail, developing tools for transport operators and city planners, and encouraging public trust in autonomous taxis.
It's all about keeping us moving forward: quickly, safely and innovatively.
“Our work exploring machine learning-led modelling and simulation with Deloitte is helping to shape a better understanding of the future performance of the railway system.”
Toby Patrick-Bailey, Programme Manager, Network Rail
Fast-tracking better journeys
Formula 1 might seem a world away from passenger trains, but we’ve brought the speed, precision and advanced analytics of high-adrenaline sport to Network Rail.
McLaren’s digital twin technology, developed with Deloitte, can run up to many thousands of simulations a second – that means millions of possible scenarios can be analysed in real time. For the team’s engineers, it influences everything from managing pit stops to fine-tuning strategies mid-race.
Translating this to trains, we helped Network Rail simulate major routes in the North of England, looking at both day-to-day and long-term operations.
Its previous modelling approaches had been resource-intensive and slow, with insights taking up to a year to develop. But within weeks, we were able to identify bottlenecks, causes of delays and underperforming route sections.
As Network Rail Programme Manager Toby Patrick-Bailey explains: “It’s guiding our approach to planning and responding to disruption, future train service changes and optimisation opportunities.”
The science behind Formula 1 offers a scalable solution that can unlock faster, more targeted rail improvements. So, fewer hold-ups, less congestion, more resilient timetables and services – and a higher-performing railway across the UK.
Meanwhile, TransportIQ is our AI-driven platform that brings together real-time telemetry, geospatial intelligence and predictive models. It enables deep interrogation and evaluation of network journeys, uncovering opportunities to enhance performance and deliver stronger connectivity between people, places, and the services they rely on.
Shaping spaces and services
The transport revolution will reinvent our cities.
Autonomous vehicles promise to dramatically reduce accidents and increase mobility, and the economic benefits extend way beyond the job market. As driverless fleets scale, operating costs could drop significantly compared to conventional transport, fuelling greater productivity.
With less need for parking spaces, planners can design more dynamic, greener, people-friendly environments.
Deloitte tech is shaping this future. HarmoniCity is our interactive 3D city that shows how urban infrastructure and complex systems connect. From transport and data centres to healthcare and water, it can guide leaders in creating blueprints for people, the planet and prosperity.
From information to action
The future looks exciting, but the revolution can only happen if the public trusts the tech.
Deloitte’s Global Automotive Consumer Study revealed British drivers are among the most sceptical when it comes to AI in cars, with over a third unconvinced about the benefits.
Surveying more than 28,500 people across 27 countries, the research showed hesitations centre around data privacy and the vehicles’ ability to navigate real-time driving scenarios. It underlines the importance of clear, relatable information.
A comprehensive awareness programme is crucial to dispel anxieties and demonstrate the safety and reliability of autonomous cars, particularly given the complexity of UK road networks.
The success of pilots and trials hinges not only on technical capabilities, but on demonstrating benefits that resonate with people across the UK. Only then can we drive a safe and seamless transition to this new era of transport.
