Not long ago, the idea of having a national transport strategy about data would have seemed outlandish.

From around five years ago, we’ve had predictions of a lifestyle revolution based on the value of data. Now, that revolution has gone mainstream, and with it, the world of planes, trains and road vehicles.

Running to keep up, we have a new UK government policy paper(1) which sets out some of the rewards and challenges of harnessing the power of data generated by transport systems. It’s a fascinating vision of future transport patterns, and a clear sign that every sector must now be viewed through the lens of data monetisation.