AMR Future Brief| Explore Urban Travel with Mobility-as-a-Service
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a digital platform-based service which offers different transportation options, such as public transport, car sharing, bike sharing, taxis, car rentals and other mobility services on one platform. This helps users to plan, book, and pay for their travel using a single platform. It aims to offer a convenient and sustainable transport option to the end user by providing real-time information about availability, schedule, traffic conditions, and pricing. It also offers an integrated payment platform, which enables the end user to pay for the desired service using a single payment method. In addition, MaaS offers personalized recommendations about travel patterns or route optimization, which helps the user reach the desired destination using the shortest route as well as using cost-effective and sustainable travel options.
Facts behind the growth of MaaS
MaaS evolved from the vision of having an integrated transportation planning service for end users to facilitate effective usage of public transportation. The initial idea involved the integration of different travel services for the user. This idea found its early trial in Sweden where people were introduced to subscription model for usage of different transport options. This gained traction with the penetration of smartphones, which led to the development of mobile apps. The idea of usage of shared autonomous vehicles also evolved during the same time. Introduction to mobile apps led to the usage of different modes of transportation in a single platform, which created a way for mobility-as-a-service for the users.
Mobility-as-a-Service gained prominence in Finland and is today an established method that focuses on optimizing transportation systems, promoting sustainable tourism by prioritizing public transport in its options being provided to the end user. Apart from multimodal integration or personalized mobility, MaaS focuses on accessibility and provision of different transport options that cater to age, ability and other options.
Challenges involved in the adoption of urban mobility
Sharing of data between providers can raise privacy concerns among the end users, which is projected to limit the usage of MaaS platform. Also, different cities have different transport regulations, which are also projected to hamper the adoption of mobility platforms. There is a need for coordination between government and private travel services, which is a bit intricate. These factors are projected to limit the overall adoption of mobility-as-a-service among the end users or manufacturers.
Latest developments driving the mobility revolution
Usage of AI and 5G in MaaS is another important step which is projected to help optimize routes, enhance overall urban mobility planning, and predict demand. In addition, technological advancements, development of digital platforms, and usage of telematics systems are projected to foster the demand for mobility-as-a-service in the upcoming years. For instance, Toyota introduced its Cabin Awareness concept, which uses radar to detect occupants in vehicles. This concept is projected to enhance the safety features associated with usage of MaaS platforms. Further, Uber is focusing on integrating robotaxi services unto its app. This is projected to help Uber manage fleet operations, which would enhance its incorporation of autonomous vehicles into MaaS platforms. EVeez is also focusing on expansion of electric mobility services to provide sustainable travel options to the end user using mobility-as-a-service. Another development is with Log9 Mobility, which is focusing on increasing the adoption of EV using its quick-charging batteries under its mobility-as-a-service.
Is Mobility-as-a-Service the next-gen of transport?
There is an increase in the need for sustainable mobility options among travelers. Thus, integration of EV in MaaS would initiate provision of EV options for transport to the end user. This is expected to boost the demand for mobility-as-a-service platform among the end users. Further, introduction of autonomous vehicles in MaaS is also projected to increase its usage in the future. Mobility-as-a-service is also used in smart city initiatives which focus on improving transportation in urban areas by integrating different modes of transportation in one platform.
Summing up
Thus, MaaS is anticipated to play a major role in enhancing public and sustainable transportation in the upcoming years. It not only helps encourage greener travel options but also helps reduce traffic congestion by suggesting public modes of transportation to the end users. It has emerged as an efficient and convenient method of travel and payment which can be used on the go without the need to juggle through multiple apps for transport or payment. It also helps to save costs, as the user is provided with public transport options, which are cheap and allow the user to reach the destination faster.
✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Renuka Sathaye