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How many modes can you use to get to the NEC in Birmingham?

Hats off to the TRL team for this 'dry run' travelling to the venue for ITS World Congress 2027
October 20, 2025

The TRL team don't just offer transport research, innovation, software, and highway products and services, they live and breathe them! 

In the run-up to Highways UK at The NEC in Birmingham four TRL team members - Shaun Helman, Jill Weekley, Ianto Guy and George Beard - put the UK’s transport networks to the test in real life, travelling to the event using various modes of transport.

Incorporating a short train trip, Shaun made the majority of the journey on a Brompton electric bike.

Jill opted for a bus, then a coach, finishing with train.

George started the journey using a standard EV, before switching to a Microlino.

And Ianto? He took to the water.... in a canoe he built himself! 

All while tackling a series of challenges along the way. 

Find out how they got on, what they thought of their modes of transport, and their views of the UK's transport infrastructure.

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