Brainport Line: innovative connection between all Brainport campuses

The Brainport Line is a new, smart and zero-emission public transport system, consisting of ‘pods’ of various sizes that will drive on designated driving lanes and stop at various transfer hubs along the main roads and at existing public transport hubs. The system is developed based on sensor technology, autonomous driving and proven technology, such as platooning. Gradual implementation of the Brainport Line is possible. The idea is that the line will be fully implemented by 2030. This new transport system serves as connecting factor between the innovations and testing opportunities that are being created in the beating heart of the knowledge intensive manufacturing industry of the Netherlands. The Brainport Line is an economic showcase: it is a flexible system, because the pods are not driving on rails and are therefore not bound to a certain route. Hence, the system can be easily scaled up and implemented in smaller cities and in larger metropolitan areas anywhere in the world. Offering huge economic opportunities for the industry in Brainport Eindhoven that is developing the Brainport Line. What’s more, the system will contribute to the international image of the Netherlands as pioneer in the area of innovative smart & green mobility applications.

Groeifonds

In September, the Dutch government announced that the National Growth Fund, which was presented earlier, will contain 20 billion euros. The fund will be used to support projects that help enhance the sustainable earning capacity of the Netherlands in the long term. Executive member for mobility at the Province of North Brabant, Christophe van der Maat is of the opinion that the fund is a great idea of the Dutch government: “It is very important that we continue to focus on the future in the Netherlands. Our country has a lot of creativity, entrepreneurship and innovative power to offer, which will be activated via the Growth Fund. We have done our homework and developed this propositionl, which, in our opinion, fits seamlessly with the goals of the fund. By implementing the Brainport Line, we are not only improving the accessibility of, to and between the economic top locations in the economic driving force of the south, but we will also use the system to drive the transition of the mobility sector in Brabant. Moreover, it is a profitable transport system. According to the social cost-benefit analysis carried out, the project will generate approx. 150 million euros after deduction of the costs.”

Further build on top position

According to Hans de Jong, President of Philips Nederland and board member of the Brainport Foundation, the Brainport Line will offer a unique opportunity to create innovations at the cutting edge of the high-tech manufacturing industry and the automotive industry: “Brainport Eindhoven is one of the greatest driving forces behind the Dutch economy. The technologies that are being developed and manufactured here provide solutions for worldwide social topics, such as digital care, smart mobility and alternative energy sources. Those solutions are all world-class solutions. That is why we should also provide world-class accessibility to our region. This investment fits in perfectly with the ambition to further build on our international top position. We do that together, with public authorities and private companies. Because that is the strength of Brainport Eindhoven.”

The proposition is highly supported by the industry and knowledge institutes in Brainport Eindhoven. They have expressed their intention to use the transport system for their employees. Increasing the exploitation of the system.