MaaS for Transport Agencies

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) refers to the concept of integrating various modes of transportation, such as public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, and car-sharing, into a single platform accessible through a smartphone app or other digital interface. By providing users with a seamless and convenient way to access different modes of transportation, MaaS has the potential to improve overall mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and increase sustainability.

Key benefits

Transport agencies across the globe are recognizing the potential benefits of MaaS and are actively pursuing its implementation. Here are some of the key benefits of MaaS for these regions.

Increased efficiency and reduced congestion

MaaS can help transport agencies to optimize the use of existing transport infrastructure, reduce congestion, and improve overall transport efficiency. According to a study by the European Parliament, MaaS can reduce the number of cars on the road by up to 15%, leading to a reduction in traffic congestion and air pollution. A study conducted by the University of California found that MaaS could reduce car trips by up to 28%. The European Environment Agency found that MaaS could help reduce emissions from the transportation sector by up to 30%.

Proximity-based decentralised cities, so-called 15-minute cities, allow people to access their home, workplace, essential services and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. They’re hyper-local models based around people (not vehicles), with buildings and public spaces made available for multi-purpose use. This new urban planning model aims to offer a higher quality of life – regardless of socioeconomic status or age – fulfilling six essential needs: living, work, commerce, healthcare, education and entertainment.

MaaS can provide a complete ecosystem in which to optimise the 15-minute city. MaaS apps can for example help people with limited mobility to access wheelchair-friendly scooters, provide information on footpath accessibility or even alert nearby shops when someone is arriving who needs their support. Therefore, MaaS will improve access and contribute to inclusivity and equity in the 15-minute community.

Improved accessibility and convenience

MaaS can provide a seamless, integrated, and convenient travel experience for users by offering a range of transport options that can be accessed through a single platform. This can encourage more people to use public transport, reduce private car use, and promote sustainable mobility. A study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that MaaS could reduce travel time by up to 10%.

In the US, Feonix – Mobility Rising works with transit authorities, community based organizations, and major corporations to develop mobility services solving transportation barriers for underserved populations.

The new projects, using SkedGo technology, aim to bring together all operators in one region and provide easy access to their services to the local community. SkedGo has developed easy-to-use MaaS applications with advanced accessibility features, integration of local on-demand transport services, a mobility wallet, and easy to use admin dashboards for the transport service providers who do not have sophisticated ride scheduling technology.

Enhanced data management and analytics

MaaS generates large amounts of data on transport usage patterns, which can be analyzed to improve transport planning, infrastructure investment, and service provision. This can help transport agencies to make more informed decisions on transport policy, planning, and investment.

Data collected from MaaS apps is a good place to start, including utilisation rates, usage at certain days and times or most popular modes amongst other information. Data can also be collected through surveys, interviews, and other forms of evaluation. Analysing the data from these sources will help to determine if a MaaS project is having a positive impact. By monitoring the results and evaluating any changes that need to be made, it will be easier to create a MaaS business case for any additional investments.

New business opportunities

MaaS can create new business opportunities for transport agencies, including partnerships with private sector providers, revenue-sharing models, and the development of new mobility services. This can help transport agencies to diversify their revenue streams and improve their financial sustainability. A study conducted by Deloitte found that MaaS could generate up to $1.5 trillion in annual revenue by 2030.

In Australia, The University of Queensland, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and iMOVE have partnered to support the delivery of a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) trial, available exclusively to students and staff at The University of Queensland. The technology is provided by SkedGo.

Through the platform users can choose to subscribe to different transport bundles which include a range of unlimited and pay-as-you-go offers, and plan and book these modes through the platform’s advanced multi-modal journey planner. The overall ambition of MaaS is to provide users with convenient and affordable access to transport, while supporting a transition towards more sustainable transport choices and behaviours.

Read more about this MaaS project here →

Improved Transportation Access

MaaS can improve access to transportation services, particularly for underserved communities. A study conducted by the International Transport Forum found that MaaS could help address transportation challenges for low-income individuals and those living in rural areas.

Developing a solution requires a fundamental rethink and collaboration between transport authorities, organisations and tech providers to foster a greater understanding of how transport and technology can support rural areas. What works in the city won’t necessarily work here and will depend on the degree of rurality. While sustainability is important, precedence has to be given to community wellbeing.  SkedGo client Feonix – Mobility Rising is a great example of this in action and highlights how SkedGo can shape its MaaS technology to the needs of communities.

Conclusion

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) has the potential to transform urban mobility and address some of the challenges facing transport agencies in North America and Europe. MaaS can improve transport efficiency, reduce congestion, enhance accessibility and convenience for users, and create new business opportunities. The successful implementation of MaaS requires collaboration between public and private stakeholders, investment in transport infrastructure and technology, and the development of policy frameworks that support the integration of different transport modes. MaaS initiatives such as Leicester City Council in the UK or Feonix Mobility Rising in the US are examples of how transport agencies and private sector partners are working together to realize the benefits of MaaS.

Case studies

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