ITS UK showcases transport innovation at Labour Party Conference

Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the national association representing the transport technology sector, brought innovative mobility solutions to the heart of UK politics last week, hosting its first-ever Transport Tech Showcase at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

The event marked a significant opportunity for the transport technology sector to engage directly with senior policymakers, as the Labour Party – which is currently in government – sets out its policy agenda. Held during an evening reception, the showcase welcomed Labour Members of Parliament, local councilors, and decision-makers, offering them a hands-on look at the technologies shaping the future of UK transport.

Five companies were featured in the showcase – Kapsch, Yunex Traffic, Intelligent Instruments, Trainline, and Smart Applications Management – each presenting live demonstrations or product displays. These included Yunex Traffic’s new modular signal head, the YuTraffic Actis, designed to be lighter and more energy-efficient, and Kapsch’s work supporting global road pricing schemes, with insights into how a national UK scheme could help reduce congestion and emissions.

Smart Applications Management exhibited the latest in electronic ticketing and tap-on, tap-off fare collection technology, while Trainline presented its AI-powered Trainline Assistant and a Pay-As-You-Go digital ticketing system currently on trial in the East Midlands. Intelligent Instruments highlighted its noise camera and accompanying street scene visualization, aimed at promoting quieter urban environments.

The evening also featured a keynote speech by Ruth Cadbury MP, chair of the Transport Select Committee, who outlined the committee’s priorities for the coming year. Other speakers included ITS UK’s chief executive Max Sugarman, Yunex Traffic UK managing director Wilke Reints, and Tim Wray, sales director at Kapsch.

Commenting on the event, Max Sugarman said: “This Government has key goals around growth, sustainability and safety, and these are all areas which the transport technology sector can support. As the Showcase demonstrated, whether it’s smart ticketing, noise cameras, road pricing, digital journey planning or smart traffic management, the sector has all the ‘tools in the toolbox’ to support a vibrant, safe, seamless and green transport network.”

The Transport Tech Showcase will continue its political outreach with a presence at the Conservative Party Conference on October 3. Through such initiatives, ITS UK aims to ensure transport technology remains a key part of the national conversation on mobility, sustainability and innovation.