Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has unveiled a plan to use quantum technology to run the transport network to save travellers time and improve safety.
Announcing the Plan, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said quantum computing could process and analyse massive amounts of information almost instantaneously, “allowing customers to more accurately track the location and capacity of a train or bus”.
“This ground-breaking technology can also calculate potentially life-saving information during a bushfire or flood by mapping out the safest route on the road network or to the closest evacuation centre,” Mr Toole said.
“The faster you get information in an emergency, the better your chances of protecting life and property are,” he said.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Rob Stokes said quantum technology would boost the computing power needed to reduce delays, improve reliability and optimise journeys.
“While this might sound like the stuff of science fiction, Transport for NSW is making quantum computing a reality,” Mr Stokes said.
“It has the potential to solve problems on the network in real time by instantly recalculating timetables and routes,” he said.
“It could essentially become a ‘self-healing’ network that interacts with cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and smart sensors.”
Mr Stokes said the technology also had the potential to provide TfNSW customers with personalised real-time information to make their journeys faster, safer and more reliable.
The Minister said TfNSW would establish a Centre of Quantum Technology based in Sydney’s Tech Central, to be co-led by a dedicated quantum technology director and a fellow of Quantum Technology.
“The Centre will draw on an Expert Advisory Panel consisting of pioneers from Government, industry and university sectors,” Mr Stokes said.
