Mobility On-Demand Laboratory Environment (MODLE)

A new transport service will combine the convenience of a private taxi with the cost savings of a shared bus, using real-time data to route vehicles where people actually need to go. This matters because cars remain the default choice for many short journeys, especially in congested urban areas where parking is scarce and public transport does not cover the "last mile" between a train station and a final destination. Existing bus services run fixed routes and timetables, which often do not match where and when people want to travel. MODLE fills that gap by offering on-demand, point-to-point shared rides that adapt to changing demand throughout the day. If the service succeeds, it could reduce car dependency in city centres, easing congestion and cutting emissions without forcing people onto rigid bus schedules. The project also tests new business models to keep fares competitive and the service financially sustainable over the long term. For commuters, this could mean a reliable, affordable alternative to driving—one that complements existing bus and rail networks rather than competing with them. The work builds directly on a detailed feasibility study conducted in 2014.