Centre for Urban Transformation

Building smarter urban- mobility hubs

Cities rely on transport nodes such as airports and train stations to function smoothly. Using disruptive technologies such as 5G, digital twins and artificial intelligence, we can transform these nodes into customer-centric urban- mobility hubs that enable a more holistic approach to transport management. These technologies boost the user and operator experience by delivering real-time transportation information, optimizing routes and facilitating payments.

Sharing data while maintaining privacy is a pressing challenge. Integrating smart technology into urban- mobility hubs requires a network of interconnected devices and systems. NTT DATA is contributing to this transformation in some of the world’s most critical urban- modernization projects.

For example, we’re working with Madrid Nuevo Norte to improve citizens’ commuting experiences by increasing accessibility and movement within the Madrid urban environment.

We’re also collaborating with Chamartin Station to test the scope and application of digital- twin technology to monitor the occupancy of railway stations. A digital architecture connects with all parts of the ecosystem through open standards and interfaces, making static and dynamic travel information available to companies and citizens.

All data generated by the digital twin and other sources is collected and stored in a data trust.

A data trust is a data marketplace in which all stakeholders in the ecosystem contribute high-quality data and, in return, retrieve information of interest.

Information is collected from public transport operations, transport tickets, mobility-as-a-service platforms and applications, vehicles, road and nodal infrastructure, and from the passenger directly. The data trust ensures that this data is shared and used securely, supported by a 5G connectivity network. The result is a technical environment where data can be shared without compromising sovereignty and trust.

Data trusts have significant potential to support new business development and contribute positively to society.

NTT DATA, together with the World Economic Forum, is exploring the possibility of designing such a mobility data trust and what’s known as a trusted federated cloud: a complex, interconnected data environment. By connecting different computing systems and data resources at scale, we can help overcome the challenge of disjointed transport systems and mobility-information silos.

Mobility-as-a-service

Working with the Forum, NTT DATA and RENFE, a public railway operator, have proposed a new vision for a mobility-as-a-service platform. We’re working to make this vision a reality for the Transport Consortia and City Councils in Spain. The solution will integrate all public and private transport services across the region, allowing citizens to access the transport network through a single connection.

The goal is to enable access to public transport through an open, public and neutral platform by sharing and exchanging data from different sources via an interoperability hub. The solution will drive the adoption of common standards by every participant in the transport and mobility ecosystem.

Delivering for cities — a new initiative for urban deliveries

Ensuring that goods are efficiently and sustainably transported to and from railway logistic terminals is vital for economic growth and environmental stewardship. When most people live within a city’s boundaries, how do you ensure easy access to goods while minimizing congestion and pollution?

NTT DATA, together with the Forum, is evaluating opportunities to reduce road traffic and congestion around port and railway logistic terminals in urban areas. This includes enhancing the efficiency of moving goods, reducing delays and cutting costs to increase the competitiveness of rail freight, encouraging a modal shift from road to rail.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve connectivity between rail terminals and cities, alleviate port accessibility issues and streamline the flow of goods — sustainably.

Toward smarter cities

Cities bring people closer to economic opportunities and convenience. By deploying purpose-fit, data-driven digital solutions and fostering public–private collaboration, we can equip cities of the future to deliver this essential promise to their citizens while reducing carbon emissions and improving quality of life.