The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has made a significant investment in data staff and spending of more than £930,000 over the last three years to strengthen its data capability and support better and stronger rail and road networks.
The ORR has heavily invested in both people and technology to enhance how it gathers, analyses and uses data. Total spending on data systems, tools and consultancy amounted to £460,000 and £470,000 has been invested in the salaries of staff in data roles.
The rail and road sector are undergoing a rapid transformation in the rollout of AI technology, making the need for high-quality data more essential. Southeastern Railways have announced plans to use AI and sensor technology to improve accessibility for passengers by ensuring trains align correctly with platforms.
Ben Rudkin, Operations Director at Resonate Group commented: “High-quality data is the foundation for a modern railway and behind every improvement to the rail network is a commitment to better information and smarter decision-making. It is a welcome sight from the Office of Rail and Road to see the investment in modern systems and skilled teams which will directly translate into a safer, more reliable and more accessible experience for passengers.”
“The development of data will ensure trains run more smoothly and infrastructure meets the needs of everyone who uses it. By strengthening the foundations of how the industry plans and monitors its services, we’re building a railway that works better for people and communities across the country.”
The ORR is modernising how it regulates the rail and road sectors to ensure data insight sits at the core of its work to support the rollout of next-generation AI applications.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com / nadla
