The most recent meeting of the Operational Innovation Group at UKTram explored how procurement processes can better support innovation across the light rail sector, with discussions on opportunities for greater collaboration between operators, authorities and suppliers.
They welcomed Alan Hill and Colm Hughes from Axia Procurement, who discussed how public sector procurement can advance innovative products from concept to operational use.
During the meeting the importance of defining operational challenges before identifying potential solutions was highlighted. The discussions showed how this allows suppliers to propose different approaches to achieve the desired outcome. It was also highlighted how preliminary market engagement can help organisations better understand available technologies, assess costs, and choose appropriate procurement strategies.
Opportunities for greater collaboration across the sector, particularly around the use of procurement frameworks were discussed. Members explored whether greater visibility of existing frameworks and common requirements between networks could help reduce duplicated effort and make it easier for suppliers to engage with the industry.
Tim Bilby, UKTram Stakeholder & Innovation Manager, said: “At the previous meeting there was discussion about some common challenges and difficulties with innovation in relation to compliance with public sector procurement rules, so it was great to be able to set up the session kindly provided by Axia Procurement, to discuss options and best practice.”
The meeting also saw discussions on accessibility innovation. UKTram are looking at opportunities to invite small and medium-sized firms identified through Connected Places Catapult to present emerging solutions, along with examples of accessibility initiatives operators are trialling or implementing.
An example mentioned was a Manchester initiative using QR-code lanyards to provide deaf passengers with live signing, including during service disruptions.