The power of data sharing

Towards sustainable mobility: The power of data sharing

How can data make our transportation systems more efficient, eco-friendly, and tailored to people’s needs? A session during Mobility Day 2023 took on this big question, with experts in the field discussing how data isn’t just about numbers – it’s a key tool for making urban mobility smarter and more sustainable.

The panel – featuring representatives from Voi Technologies, The Swedish Transport Administration, The City of Stockholm and Univrses – highlighted the critical role of data in shaping a sustainable future for urban mobility.

The key takeaway was clear: relevant and actionable data is a critical element in creating transportation systems that are both resource-efficient and aligned with the needs of the community. For instance, the use of connected vehicles was described as a game-changing approach to collecting detailed data on traffic flow and user behavior, which can then inform everything from day-to-day road maintenance to long-term urban planning initiatives.

Shifting from the mere collection of data, the discussion also touched on its real-world applications. For transformative change, data needs to be part of multi-disciplinary strategies involving software developers, urban planners, and policymakers alike. This is where standardization becomes crucial. Consistent data-sharing protocols, developed and maintained at both national and international levels, were mentioned as a driving-force for the next big leaps in transportation efficiency and sustainability.

The panel also emphasized that the value of data goes beyond guiding vehicles or informing decision-makers; it’s also key in shaping public behavior and influencing policy. Understanding travel patterns and time metrics, for example, can help refine the system and ultimately encourage more sustainable mobility choices. Ethical considerations, particularly regarding data privacy and compliance with GDPR guidelines, were underscored as essential for responsibly moving towards a data-driven future.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that data and data-sharing will be central in advancing more sustainable and efficient mobility solutions, not least in urban areas. Working together – across industries and borders – is key. As Stockholm and Sweden work towards meeting ambitious sustainability goals, the effective use of data stands out as a common thread tying many efforts together.