The Challenge

Problem Statement

How might we use data and insights to inform decisions and put in place actions to make travelling in the city safer for women at night?

Outcome: Safer mobility for women, at night, in the city

*Applications now close April 23. See below or eTender for more information*

What we are looking for

Data and insights as your foundation

Transport for NSW is looking to accelerate projects backed by data and insights, that improve safety for women travelling at night. We want to hear ideas that could have a measurable impact on the problem identified.

Data exists on the number of officially reported incidents through the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). However, Transport acknowledges that in order to improve women's safety at night, there is value in considering what often goes unreported (harassment, catcalling, etc.) as these impact perceptions of safety and travel behaviour. Limited data may be available in these areas.

Your approach may consider how you will address this data gap, in order to inform your actions and solutions.

In all cases, we want to see evidence-based action.

Our preference is that you come with data and a solution. If you need access to data and information, consider pairing with someone.

Solution Areas

During the design of this Innovation Challenge, Transport for NSW conducted market research and horizon scanning to understand the technology and different approaches respondents might be thinking of. That assisted in the development of solution areas.

The collection of ideas reflected below are some of those suggested by businesses, researchers, and industry during the design phase and as defined in the launch event and briefing on March 6.

Solution areas include:

Deep Technology

  • Advanced technology that optimises data collection and informed decision making.
  • Respondents had an appetite to optimise CCTV and Transport assets. That included the use of sensors, artificial intelligence on CCTV to seamlessly report, and optimising lighting for safety. Other ideas suggested ways to give better information on safety to customers or scale existing response applications.

Targeted Interventions

  • Placed-based action around known customer journeys, informed by data and insights.
  • Many ideas revolved around the adaption of the built environment - along identified routes or where there was potential to radically change systems of safety. They were interested in smart cities technologies including smart street lighting, interactive technologies, and improving experiences of waiting for connections.

Education and Behaviour Change

  • Behavioural psychology principles were brought up multiple times, including the concept of ‘nudging’.
  • Respondents were creative. Ideas involved different methods of making announcements at a station, calm vs. upbeat music, and adapting train carriages. There was an appetite to integrate existing ‘ask for help’ mechanisms with wayfinding, as well as trailing new approaches with lighting.

Apply for this challenge now through eTendering.

Who should apply?

Organisations should apply if they have a solution aligned to Safety After Dark and are looking to make it a reality.

The Transport Digital Accelerator is agnostic to the size and industry of applicants. The best applicants will have the capability of delivering on a solution, combined with a thorough understanding of the problem area.

Why apply?

On top of initial seed funding, successful applications will receive:

  • Masterclasses on topics like procurement, how to work with government, and pitching
  • Access to mentors from the public and private sector. They are well-connected people who want to see you succeed
  • Access to a large market of potential public sector customers

Industry Collaboration

Friday, March 13, at 3pm, The Transport Digital Accelerator will host an industry collaboration event. You would attend to connect with potential collaborators ahead of submission.

At the event, you’ll get the opportunity to quickly pitch your capabilities in front of all attendees and make an 'ask' regarding what you're looking for in potential partners. It’s a free, hour-long event, open to everyone. We’ll give a 10 min briefing, each representative pitches for 2 mins, then you network.

Register here.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects are required to respond to criteria, including factors such as:

  1. Action and Alignment - Is the project aligned to the Safety After Dark project? Is action being taken?
  2. Understanding of Problem - Has the applicant explained how women travelling at night would benefit and how women have been considered in the design and delivery?
  3. Data-Informed Decision Making - How deeply has the application considered data in its’ approach?
  4. Technology and Team - Is the technology new, innovative, or advanced?
  5. Timeline and Stakeholders - Can the project be implemented within the allocated timeframes?
  6. Support Required - Does the project represent good value for money?

Applications must show an understanding of the problem for women. If you are searching for more information on the problem, review the handy links and FAQs below. For more detail on the evaluation criteria, visit the eTendering website.

Program Structure

*Below dates account for an extension to the application deadline by two weeks. While all other dates have moved by approximately two weeks. Transport is proceeding with this Innovation Challenge but notes that there may be shifts in key milestones to accommodate for more time between stages. Visit eTender for more information*

  1. An Industry Networking event will be held at the Transport Digital Accelerator on March 13 - register here
  2. Enquiries may be submitted through to March 20, via eTender. (Enquiries can now be made until April 3)
  3. Applications close on April 23
  4. Shortlisted Candidates will be notified by April 30
  5. Shortlisted applicants take part in individual workshops to help refine their application, through to June 15. We may bring in experts, key staff from the Transport cluster, and other stakeholders. The goal is to align all stakeholders with your approach and activities if you are successful. You may be asked to submit a RFP at this time.
  6. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to pitch their solutions on June 19. You can expect to pitch to potential customers, key decision makers across the public sector, and business leaders. You will be on stage, convincing a high-profile judging panel that your mission will change lives. The opportunity is to share your idea with a captive audience, show your passion, and inspire action beyond this project alone. We’ll guide you on how to pitch and what the panel will be looking for.
  7. By June 23, Transport for NSW evaluate shortlisted applications and by June 24 selected applicants will be invited to participate in negotiations.
  8. We expect contracts to be awarded and trials to commence in 2020.

Key Dates

  1. Applications Open March 6 and close on April 23
  2. Shortlisted applicants will participate in refinement workshops with stakeholders between April 30 and June 15
  3. All applicants will be notified by April 30 of the outcome
  4. Pitch day is Friday, June 19
  5. Final Selection is June 24
  6. Applicants should be prepared to start their pilot in 2020

Apply via eTender

More On The Transport Digital Accelerator

Home

The Future Transport Digital Accelerator

 

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Safety After Dark

Research into women's safety revealed that girls and
women do not always feel safe participating in our city

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FAQ - Questions you might ask

What is Safety After Dark?

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Resources

Handy links

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