Published: Jun 13, 2022
mobility as a service (MaaS) - a modern solution
Mobility as a service (MaaS) is a program that allows users to plan, book, and pay for a variety of mobility services using a single digital channel. MaaS works by combining public and private transportation services into a single interface that creates and organises the users' itinerary while allowing them to pay for it with a single account.
What is mobility as a service?
MaaS is a modern solution for organisations of all sizes and industries. It allows users to have mobility options without the need for traditional vehicles. Users can pay for trips individually or pay a monthly subscription for a set distance.
MaaS strives to give the best possible value to its users. It provides a more convenient and ecologically sustainable alternative to individual automobile ownership. It even offers cheaper sustainable transport modes. Its all-encompassing perspective creates high expectations in terms of urban mobility and economic benefit.
As a result, the global MaaS market was valued at $ 182.12 billion in 2018. It is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 1.9 per cent to $ 210.44 billion by 2026, wherein 2019 to 2026 is the projected timeframe.
How does it affect communities and transportation?
Let's look at the impact on communities and transportation.
MaaS helps in traffic and pollution reduction as well as social connectivity in large cities. It can increase accessibility and livability in smaller communities. In addition, it also assists communities in effectively managing their transportation systems.
In the transportation industry, MaaS can reduce traffic and pollution. By providing consumers with mobility options, MaaS can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
Carbon Reduction
In terms of carbon reduction, MaaS has the potential to make a significant impact. Policymakers should consider the recent emergence of shared transport services in metropolitan areas. They should also consider the potential benefits in terms of emissions mitigation when designing appropriate actions in this sector.
In fact, according to a recent report, shared transport services can cut 6.3% of passenger transportation emissions on average.
Car Light Society
Due to the advancement of MaaS, a "Car Light Society" is gradually emerging. In this society, people rely less on their private cars and more on public transit or shared transport mode. Countries like Finland and Sweeden are already implementing MaaS, where there is a high rate of private car ownership but a low number of kilometres driven per person.
In a Car Light Society, transportation services are crucial to providing people with mobility options to reduce traffic and pollution.
Sustainability for Transport Modes
MaaS looks to be more sustainable than traditional transport modes from an environmental perspective. This encourages people to use public or shared transportation options instead of private cars. In the future, it can lead to a more sustainable future for transportation.
Moreover, shared mobility is a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation that is less susceptible to virus infections, with a CAGR of 25.1% projected by 2025. With a successful implementation of Maas, car ownership may become a thing of the past.
How does it work?
MaaS allows people to access mobility options in a single interface. These are transport options such as trans-ride-sharing services, car-sharing services, and the creation of bicycle-sharing systems.
Its workflow is simple. A key concept of MaaS is that users can download an app to access all mobility solutions in their area. They select the option that best suits their needs. MaaS allows users to see all the available transport options to get to their destination.
MaaS platforms provide people with real-time information on the availability of transportation options. They connect people with transport operators. Platforms enable users to select the transport mode they like to use, and the MaaS provider will give them options, including prices and departure times. Furthermore, a Maas platform can also be used by authorities to track the performance of different transport modes.
Success factors in achieving real MaaS experience
Success in such a nascent and rapidly growing industry is challenging to predict. However, there are a few factors that you should consider to achieve a fulfilling MaaS experience.
Seamless Intermodal Travel
Seamless Intermodal Travel is the ability to transfer between different transportation modes. This seamlessness is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience.
For MaaS to be successful, mobility service providers must work together to create a seamless experience for users. This way, users should be able to transfer quickly between different transport services without worrying about different ticketing systems or payment methods.
It is of essence for various transport systems to come together and build a MaaS alliance. Transport services need to communicate so that users can move between modes without hassle.
Creation of Critical Mass
Critical mass refers the number of people necessary to make a product or service successful. In the case of MaaS, there must be enough users to make the service a viable alternative. And this number will also encourage Maas operators to invest.
This is where marketing and promotion are crucial. Transport providers need to promote their services to ensure a high enough demand for MaaS. They can do this by targeting different groups of people, such as commuters or tourists.
Government Support
Government support is also vital for the success of MaaS. Transport authorities must work with service providers to create a regulatory framework. This framework will help to ensure that users have a safe and efficient experience when using MaaS. It will also help to prevent monopolies from forming in the industry.
For instance, In 2015, the city of Helsinki became the first city in the world to announce a regulatory framework for MaaS. This helped ensure that transport service providers would work together to create a seamless experience for users.
What will it look like to pursue MaaS?
There are countries and smart cities that have already started pursuing MaaS. They are now considered MaaS pilots.
In Japan, rural areas are now riding the Maas concept and using MaaS solutions to connect remote villages with the outside world. They use a combination of ride-sharing, public transportation, and bike-sharing. Users can travel between towns using this service without worrying about multiple ticketing systems or payment methods.
In Singapore, they started MaaS adoption when they launched for motorists and commuters, MyTransport.SG Mobile. It is an all-in-one travel toolset. As a MaaS operator, the Land Transport Authority released the mobile app with location-sensing capabilities in 2010 to cater to the expanding population of technology-savvy users who need user-friendly and timely information while on the go.
In 2012, this MaaS project was enhanced with live updates on bus arrival timings and train service disruptions. Considered a MaaS global, it is available in five languages – English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and Hindi – to better serve commuters of diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Countries and cities need to pursue MaaS because new technologies can help to improve transport systems and offer more sustainable transport modes.
MaaS trends
There are a few trends that can help to achieve a critical mass for MaaS. Car-sharing programs are a growing trend. Users can use these services to share an automobile with many individuals. They can save money on their trip expenses as a result of this.
Another trend is the growth of transport networks. Transport networks allow users to travel between cities without thinking about multiple ticketing systems or payment methods. In Singapore for instance, LTA DataMall provided datasets that include taxi availability data, MRT exits, covered linkways, and footpaths, and real-time bus arrival and crowd statistics to help users plan for their commute.
Finally, the rise of other mobility services is helping to encourage the adoption of MaaS by MaaS operators. It allows users to access transportation services in one place, making it easier to travel between different cities.
Creating a critical mass in countries where public transportation is not effectively integrated and car ownership is inexpensive, on the other hand, hinders MaaS adoption. To reduce traffic and pollution, city administrations should enforce the usage of mobility solutions as part of enterprise policy.
Conclusion
The benefits of MaaS are clear, and it will continue to grow. This is why policymakers should consider the recent emergence of MaaS when designing practical actions in the transport sector.
Mobility services are a valuable addition to public transport's landscape. By working with transport service providers, city administrations can create a regulatory framework that will help to ensure that users have a safe and efficient experience when using mobility solutions.
To find out more, read on Mobility as a Service or contact us at NCS.