In our latest industry interview, we caught up with Anna Jordan, CEO at Alchera, to learn more about the company’s use of AI and mobility data, and how it’s supporting local authorities to build smarter, more reliable transport systems.
Q. For those who might not know Alchera, can you share a bit about the company’s mission and how you’re using AI and mobility data to help create trusted, more reliable transport systems?
A. At Alchera, we’re all about making transport systems smarter and more reliable. We take the messy, complex mobility data that’s out there and turn it into clear insights local authorities and transport network operators can actually use. Our platform brings together data from all kinds of sources and uses our library of machine learning components and LLM to show what’s really happening across the network, from congestion and bus performance to road safety and scheme M&E. What really makes us different is our focus on data you can trust, configured into interactive dashboards and workflows to answer tough questions, quickly. We clean and align it so decision-makers have a clear picture they can rely on. In the end, it’s about giving teams the confidence to make better, data-driven decisions that lead to safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport for everyone.
Q. Local authorities are being asked to modernise transport while navigating limited resources. How is Alchera helping them make better, data informed decisions that are both practical and impactful?
A. Local authorities have a tough job, they’re expected to modernise transport systems with fewer resources than ever. What we do at Alchera is help make that job a bit easier. Our platform takes away the grunt work and tediousness of crunching through data, instead providing clear insights, so teams can see what’s really happening on the ground and make decisions that actually move the needle. For example – processing and distilling a combination of BODS data, junction information and DfT guidance to answer the question “which are the most important junctions to improve to impact bus network performance in the city?”. It’s about giving local authorities the confidence to act, knowing their choices are backed by solid data and will make a real difference for their communities.
Q. How is Alchera using AI not to replace transport professionals, but to enhance their day-to-day work and help them achieve more with the tools they already have?
A. There’s definitely a lot of noise around AI but for us, it’s not about replacing people; it’s about empowering them. Transport professionals know their networks better than anyone. What we do at Alchera is give them the data clarity and tools to make their expertise go even further. Our AI solutions help cut through the complexity by cleaning, consolidating and analysing data that would take teams hours or days to make sense of. That means less time wrangling spreadsheets and more time focusing on solutions that actually improve journeys and safety. AI isn’t doing the job for them, it’s helping them do it smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see the role of AI, real-time data, and cross-sector collaboration shaping the future of transport and what’s Alchera’s vision for helping local authorities be at the heart of that change?
A. The future of transport will be shaped by how well we use data to drive real value. AI and data analytics will put local authorities and transport operators in control of their networks like never before. It will allow them to own their insights and make smarter, bolder decisions that transform how people move and how communities thrive. It will also open the door to cross-industry collaboration with sectors like energy, logistics, telecommunications and urban planning creating transport systems that are more efficient, sustainable, and resilient for everyone.
Q. For local authorities looking to make smarter, data-driven transport decisions but unsure where to begin – why should they speak to Alchera, and how can your team help them take that first step with confidence?
A. We are passionate about how data-driven decision making can help local authorities – and pragmatic about what is possible, to deliver real, measurable ROI. We help break down data silos and bring all your information into a single source of truth, then through smart data analytics and AI turn that raw data into clear, actionable insights. Our team empowers Authorities to see where to focus, and once decisions are made and implemented, they can monitor and evaluate the impacts, ensuring quantifiable ROI and making reporting simple and reliable. This gives them the confidence to act now and start shaping more efficient, sustainable, and reliable transport systems.
Thank you to Anna for sharing her insights. To find out more, please visit the website.
(Images – Alchera Technologies)