Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), a leading voice of the transport technology sector, has announced a major new partnership with the Rail Innovation Group (RIG). The collaboration is aimed at championing emerging companies, promoting smarter systems, and fostering greater integration between rail and other modes of transport.
The Rail Innovation Group provides a crucial platform for rail technology companies to network, innovate, and scale their solutions across the rail industry. Through this partnership, both organisations will work closely together to create new opportunities for cross-modal collaboration.
Connecting Innovators and Emerging Technology
The core focus of the partnership is to ensure that small and emerging companies in the rail sector have a clearer route to market and better connections with the wider transport technology community. The collaboration will involve joint events, knowledge sharing, and combined policy engagement efforts to promote innovation and technological development across the entire transport ecosystem.
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Rail Innovation Group, who carry out fantastic work in promoting innovation across the rail sector. By joining forces, we aim to ensure our respective members are better connected, share insights on emerging technologies, and support businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive.”
Mr Sugarman emphasised the importance of cross-modal dialogue as the government works towards establishing a single, seamless transport system.
“As the Government works towards delivering an integrated transport network, conversations across modes will be all the more essential in creating a single, seamless transport system. Our work with RIG, building on our partnerships with organisations like the Railway Industry Association, will be essential in achieving this goal.”
Clearer Routes to Market for Digital Solutions
The partnership will leverage the expertise of both groups to break down silos between transport sectors. RIG’s focus on supporting start-ups and digital companies within the railway will now be amplified by ITS UK’s wider network in road, air, and public transport technology.
Liam Henderson, Chair of the Rail Innovation Group, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with ITS UK. ITS and the Rail Innovation Group share a position that technology can make travel simpler and more joined up. The Rail Innovation Group supports start-ups and digital companies to show what works in rail, partnering with ITS connects that work to a wider cross-modal community. Together we will create clearer routes to market for digital solutions and, in turn, improve journeys for passengers and freight.”
This joint approach is expected to provide a much stronger platform for technological advancement, ultimately leading to improved journeys for both passengers and freight services.
