Project overview
The information age and technological advances are presenting substantial opportunities (and threats) concerning thesign of our transport services, management of our transport systems, design and operation of vehicle fleets and the waywhich people gain access and participate in society. FUTURES is a 5-year research programme which is part of the EPSRC's Sustainable Urban Environment Programme. It is concerned with research into the role of new technologies in progressing towards a state of sustainable urban mobility. The research programme focuses on people, systems and vehicles - believed to be the key elements which, in combination, result in the levels and patterns of urban mobility and the associated economic, social and environmental impacts. FUTURES involves academic expertise drawn from seven research groupings in three universities and which spans engineering, new technology, environmental science and social science. The consortium benefits also from the substantial involvement of a number of leading stakeholder partners drawn from central and local government, transport operators, service providers and other industry players. Through a coordinated programme of research, the intention is to progress in a number of priority areas (identified by stakeholders) from first developing new fundamental understandings to exploring options and opportunities and in turn to trials and demonstrations.
