Blockchain disruption in transport: are you decentralised yet?

Blockchain could provide the underpinnings for a future integrated transport system, without the need for large and costly centralised control mechanisms, according to a new paper from the Transport Systems Catapult and the University of Sheffield. The report found that, whilst currently the technology is still some years from full maturity, synergies exist in areas like Freight and Logistics, Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility as a Service, where the technology could be applied in the future. This is because these areas will involve multiple businesses with potentially competing interests, who require trust and transparency to share data and work together seamlessly – which plays to the strengths of Blockchain. In one example, the report highlights that the decentralised nature of Blockchain could provide an alternative future for Mobility as a Service Business models, where transport is supplied on demand to subscription customers. Blockchain could help avoid the situation where centralised platforms come to control service provision and data leading to minimal competition. Instead it could facilitate a decentralised network of transport operators by providing built in trust, consensus and immutability in data and information sharing. Passengers could also have greater control over their personal data. The report also suggests that Blockchain could also help integrate Autonomous Drone fleets into the existing transport network, without the need to establish large regulatory organisations to track and monitor use and licensing.

• Record URL:
  https://ts.catapult.org.uk/news-events-gallery/news/blockchain-could-bridge-the-gap-to-integrated-transport/
• Corporate Authors:

  Transport Systems Catapult

  Milton Keynes,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Carter, C
  • Koh, L
• Publication Date: 2018-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 47p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated vehicle control; Data analysis; Data collection; Demand responsive transportation; Freight transportation; Innovation; Intermodal transportation; Transportation planning
• Uncontrolled Terms: Policy and planning
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ATRI Terms: Autonomous vehicle; Competition; Data analysis; Data collection; Demand responsive transport; Freight transport; Innovation; Integrated transport; Transport planning
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01676130
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 26 2018 10:33AM