Problem statement
Transport devolution is giving combined authorities direct control over rail and bus services, but the operational data, timetables, fares, assets, contracts and passenger information needed to run an integrated network remain spread across separate systems and organisations. Authorities need a single view of how services connect and where integration failures are emerging.
Underserved audience
Combined authorities, passenger transport executives, local transport authorities, transport planners, network operations teams and specialist transport consultancies managing multi-mode public networks.
Evidence summary
The Merseyrail public-control decision is explicitly framed as part of a simpler, more joined-up local transport network. Liverpool City Region is also rolling out bus franchising and delivering a long-term transport plan covering rail, bus, rapid transit, active travel and freight, creating a clear requirement for cross-network coordination.
Demand signal
Multiple transport modes are moving under greater regional control within a compressed 2026–2028 timetable, while £1.6bn of planned investment expands the network and increases the number of interdependent programmes that must be coordinated.
Competition signal
Incumbents tend to sell mode-specific operational systems or consultancy projects. The underserved gap is an affordable, configurable intelligence and programme layer owned by the authority rather than tied to one operator or ticketing vendor.
Suggested solution
A regional transport integration intelligence platform that gives public authorities one operational and strategic view of rail, bus and future rapid-transit services.
Monetisation angle
Pilot: £25,000–£60,000 for data integration and a limited network dashboard. Annual authority licence: £60,000–£180,000 depending on modes, users and data feeds. Multi-region or consultancy licence: £150,000–£350,000 per year plus implementation.
- bbc.co.ukBBC News — Merseyrail to be brought back into public control
- liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.ukLiverpool City Region Combined Authority — Mayor sets out plan to take back public control of Merseyrail
- liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.ukLiverpool City Region Combined Authority — Local Transport Plan 4
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Liverpool Regional Mobility Intelligence Platform
Score 85/100
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