IBM Seeks Clear Vision for Future of Mobility
IBM is not just a name synonymous with computers; it also has a rich history in transportation, dating back to its formation through the merger of four companies acquired in the early 1900s. The company's public transportation lead, Donovan Guin, explained that IBM started by counting passengers and freight for the New York Central Railroad using Hollerith punch cards, which later became the primary medium for programming in computing.
Today, IBM is helping clients integrate data from various sources, including roadside equipment, traffic, weather, and public sources. The goal is to automate this process through dynamic means such as signal control and road pricing. According to Gary Rosenfeld, business development leader, state and local government at IBM, the 'next step' for the company is utilising innovation today with a focus on tomorrow.
Guin believes that what's missing in transportation planning is a clear vision of the future. He referenced the 1964 World's Fair in New York, where a car-centric city future was envisioned, but never fully implemented. Guin thinks it's time for a new concept that brings together technology and policy to drive outcomes benefiting communities.
Rosenfeld added that transportation planning should consider the economic impact of every trip, not just the movement of goods and people. He emphasized the need for seamless mobility within communities, which can be achieved by utilising data from various sources such as tolling, transit, parking garages, and kerb time.