The intelligent transport systems expert Danny Woolard has been recognised for 30 years of innovation and leadership in the traveller information sector by being awarded a prestigious Fellowship of the Traveller Information Services Association, TISA.

The Fellowship was presented during the TISA General Assembly in Ghent, Belgium, where the organisation’s Steering Board unanimously recognised Mr Woolard’s contribution to the development of traveller and traffic information (TTI) services.

Danny Woolard has been at the forefront of transport technology for more than three decades. An engineer with a background in GNSS navigation and wireless communications, he pioneered the deployment of the UK’s first commercial broadcast traffic information service based on RDS-TMC before playing a leading role in the rollout of traffic information services across Europe. He chaired the Industry TMC Forum for four years and was instrumental in its merger with the TPEG Forum to create what is now TISA. More recently, as a director of VESOS Solutions, he has helped drive innovation around eCall technology and connected vehicle safety services.

Accepting the Fellowship, Mr Woolard reflected on the industry’s journey, saying: “I am very humbled and grateful to receive the TISA Fellowship award. Having been involved in TISA’s formation in 2007 from the joint developments being undertaken by the TMC and TPEG Forums, it’s really appreciated to receive the Fellowship.”

He added: “From the development of the UK Department of Transport demonstration TMC service, and being a signatory to the original Memorandum of Understanding of all parties who created the TMC Forum at the end of the 90’s, it is amazing to think back at what a success and our willingness to cooperate across all the players in the delivery of real-time traffic data into vehicles. I am looking forward to both following and contributing to the activities of TISA in the future.”

TISA Executive Director Matthias Unbehaun paid tribute to Woolard’s influence on the sector, commenting: “It is with great pleasure that the TISA Steering Board has awarded the TISA Fellowship to Danny. He has been a true pioneer within TTI and a highly valued contributor to TISA services and products.”

The association added that Woolard’s dedication, expertise and long-standing commitment have helped shape the evolution of traveller information services and technologies, benefiting both the wider ITS industry and the global TISA community.

(Picture – TISA)