Global procurement competition launched to create ‘Smart North Ecosystem’ in the UK

Northern England’s regional transit partnership Transport for the North (TfN) has launched a global procurement competition for the development of a ‘Smart North Ecosystem’ to connect the region’s different transport networks and ticketing systems and incentivise the use of public transport, along with other forms of green, shared and active travel.

The partnership, which brings together 20 local authorities across northern England – including Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds – is inviting proposals from tech companies globally to understand what market solutions could deliver this.

Speaking to Cities Today, Jeremy Acklam, TfN’s Integrated and Smart Travel Director, said: “We’re very pleased with the reaction we’ve been getting from the market.

“The key challenge we’re facing, compared to somewhere like London, is that we have a very, very deregulated transport network. This makes it difficult to work together. We’re approaching things from a very different starting point – this is why we are taking the innovation procurement approach.

“We used a market sounding process beforehand, and by doing this you’re able to use the official procurement channels to advertise what you’re going to be doing.”

The overall objective for innovators is to demonstrate how a ‘Smart North Ecosystem’ could transform travel in the north of England for passengers, including: enabling capped fares and integrated travel offers between different modes and operators; the introduction of on-demand services and support for the unbanked; and financial incentivisation and other rewards for using public transport and shared, active travel instead of private cars.

Innovation procurement

The process will involve two rounds and is valued at approximately £8 million (US$10.5 million). It is being run under a Regulation 31 public procurement, specifically designed by the UK government in 2015 to meet the challenges of adopting innovation into the public procurement space.

This procurement method is increasingly being used by public bodies as a way of giving small and medium innovators the ability to win contracts with public bodies.

“Traditionally these are the organisations that find it very difficult to meet the requirements for public procurement,” Acklam added. “As a public body you state what your challenge is, instead of what you want to build to solve it. Through this you can find interesting solutions which are not currently on the market but might meet your challenge.”

The proposed ecosystem is seen as key to helping the north’s local transport authorities achieve crucial socio-economic objectives – including a reduction in carbon emissions, promotion of healthy living and encouraging economic growth.

Other UK regions, including the West Midlands, have undertaken similar efforts, focusing on Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) to deliver an integrated regional ecosystem.

The closing date for submissions is 18 November, with TfN aiming to conduct pilots before the end of March 2021.