Transport Accelerator Programme
Co-Designing Inclusive Mobility Solutions to Drive the UK’s Net Zero Transition
Industry
Client
Transport
Department for Transport & Connected Places Catapult
The Rural Transport Accelerator Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult, aimed to tackle rural transport challenges and support the UK’s transition towards Net Zero. Edge Innovation led the design and research streams for 8 innovation consortia. The work focused on co-designing inclusive mobility pilots with local authorities, businesses and residents. By embedding user voices at the heart of decision-making, the programme delivered innovative transport solutions that supported healthcare access, reduced isolation and enabled sustainable mobility.
Key Objectives
Address rural transport barriers that excluded communities from healthcare, education, and work.
Align diverse stakeholders (government, local authorities, SMEs, charities, and service providers) around shared outcomes.
Ensure new technologies were usable, inclusive, and suitable for procurement.
Deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Our Approach
Facilitated cross-sector workshops with local government, providers, and users.
Applied human-centred design frameworks to uncover pain points and opportunities.
Supported the development of service blueprints, user journey maps, and prototypes for pilots.
Balanced policy requirements with user needs and business viability.
Impact
Delivered 8 innovation pilots, including shared ride platforms, new bus services, and sustainable e-bike charging.
Generated over £12 million in social and environmental impact.
Proved that accessibility can drive innovation rather than hinder it.
