Making Mobility-as-a-Service a reality: Challenges and opportunities
Recent developments suggest MaaS is now poised for success. The pandemic has changed consumer behavior, increasing the demand for digital and contactless payment solutions. Cities and transportation operators have recognized the limitations of proprietary systems and are moving towards more flexible, cloud-based and software-driven solutions. This shift is driven by the need to reduce costs and improve service quality for both operators and users.Benefits for operators and riders
For transportation operators and cities, adopting MaaS offers numerous advantages:
- Cost reduction: By transitioning to software-based systems and utilizing off-the-shelf hardware like smartphones to accept contactless payments or ticket validations, operators can significantly reduce maintenance costs and hardware investments.
- Improved flexibility: Modern MaaS platforms provide greater flexibility in managing operations, allowing for easy adjustments to routes and services.
- Enhanced data utilization: Integrated data systems enable operators to use the same data for multiple purposes, from ticketing to operational management, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.
For riders, MaaS simplifies the travel experience by offering:
- Seamless payments: Contactless payment systems that work across multiple transportation modes eliminate the need for queuing and purchasing multiple tickets, allowing travel using a contactless bank card or a smartphone.
- Comprehensive travel options: MaaS platforms provide users with a variety of transportation options, making it easier to plan and complete journeys using the most efficient modes available.
- Reduced car dependency: By making public and shared transportation more accessible and user-friendly, MaaS can help reduce the number of cars on the road, alleviating congestion and pollution.
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