WECA» has submitted an application for the
DfT» to fund a £28 million 'Future Mobility Living Lab'
The aim of the West of England Future Mobility Zone is to co-design, trial and demonstrate replicable transport innovations that can improve connectivity, enhancing regional productivity, widening access to employment and creating a globally significant demonstrator to drive trade and inward investment.
Source:
WECAThis scheme's main components are a Data Hub and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and covers four scheme areas: Central Bristol, Bath, the Northern Arc (Avonmouth, Severnside, Emerson's Green and the North Fringe) and Bristol Airport.
The MaaS element incorporates micromobility services and dynamic demand responsive transport (DDRT), potentially using connected and autonomous vehicles. The micromobility project is 'mode agnostic' and, interestingly has this:
| E-scooter trial | We will review the regulatory regime and aim to run a private-site trial, working with a mobility provider. In the long-term we aim to work with DfT to create an environment for public-road testing using potential routes/trial areas, as presented in Appendix 8. We will work with DfT, the market, stakeholders and local communities to ensure safe user-led trials. |
There's a lot of detail in the 88-page proposal. A key element will be mobility hubs and points; typically these might be at a hospital or train station, and will offer a range of options such as public transport services, EV charging (for shared or private vehicles), cycle parking, pick up/drop off points, cafe, freight consolidation etc.
There's probably quite a bit that I've missed, so do feel free to read through and comment on anything else that's interesting! The full proposal is at
https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WECA-FMZ-Bid-Submission-Redaction-V2.pdf
