Three key factors that will decide future of Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Leeds (Urban Transport News): The Urban Transport Group has recently published a report on "Issue and options on Mobility as a Service for City Region Transport Authorities". The new report says that the future of mobility as a service (MaaS) yet to be decided. The new report looks at the concept of mobility as service schemes those which provide access to information on, and payment for, transport options via a single digital platform. It observed that mobility as a service could be a system that steers people towards the use of cars or away from them so that it could make travelling easier for all, no matter their income, disability or location or it could make mobility easier for tech-savvy, city centre dwellers and harder for those who are already excluded and marginalized. The MaaS could be a great concept that takes off at scale or one that people don’t need or want in practice.

Key factors

The report identifies the three key factors that will determine the future of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). These factors are- Economic Models: The economic models which underpin MaaS schemes will determine how are the impartial, stable, extensive, competitively priced and popular MaaS schemes? Data: The extent to which issues around the ownership, sharing, resourcing of data are resolved will determine how are the comprehensive MaaS schemes? Environmental, social and public health goals: The extent to which wider environmental, social and public health goals are built into MaaS schemes will determine whether they will contribute to making cities the less congested, more inclusive, greener and healthier places they want to be.

Issues and options

The report also sets out the issues and options for city regions on the role they might play in shaping the future of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in their areas. These choices include: - where the public sector is either the MaaS operator or a pro-active participant in MaaS? - where the public sector takes a stepped approach to MaaS? - where the public sector takes no involvement in MaaS?

The ability of transport authorities

The report also finds that: ‘the ability of transport authorities to take on a more decisive role on Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is influenced by the wider regulatory and legislative framework in which it is working. In particular, the deregulation of the bus sector outside London and privatisation of rail can be a limiting factor as the transport authority does not have full control over the pricing of public transport.’ Commenting on the findings of the report, Vernon Everitt, Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology at Transport for London, said,

Cities in the UK and the wider world are looking hard at the potential benefits that MaaS could bring and the role they could play in its future. This report clearly sets out the issues and options for city regions on MaaS and sets out a sliding scale of potential engagement.

"It is up to each transport authority to decide for themselves how big a role they wish to play in determining the evolution of MaaS depending on local circumstances and aspirations. By presenting the risks and opportunities, we hope this report makes that decision-making process easier", he added.

Five tests for good MaaS

The report also puts forward ‘five tests for good MaaS’ to help transport authorities ensure that any MaaS offer delivers on urban public policy goals:

1. Does it incentivise public transport use?
2. Does it help reduce congestion and pollution?
3. Is it socially inclusive (including on affordability; accessibly, providing options for those with additional mobility needs)
4. Is there a culture of openness and data sharing?
5. Does it encourage active lifestyles?

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