The transportation industry has evolved a lot, especially in recent years, thanks to technological advancements. The changing transport needs that consumers have also played a remarkable role in the constant changes that have been (are being) experienced in the transport sector worldwide. Today’s public transport systems are more multifaceted like never before. Compared with the last centuries, commuters are now dealing with an entirely new mobility ecosystem with many service platforms. New offerings like ride-hailing, car-sharing, and micro-mobility solutions are creating more varied public transport options.
Where the problem comes in
The demand for mobility has continuously been increasing for individuals and businesses. However, this comes with increasingly diverse options that a commuter has to consider to make their mobility as cost-effective and efficient as possible. From trip planning and booking, to trip payment and getting favorite accommodation upon reaching the destination, there are lots of things a commuter has to factor in for a fulfilling journey. It becomes even more challenging when the traveler has to contact each of the relevant service providers to get the services they need for their trip. Even if the traveler has an option to review these service providers online instead of going to their offices physically, it’s still a hassle.
The ultimate solution
There’s an increased need for a solution that integrates all the stages or components of a traveler’s journey. This is where Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) comes in. Mobility as a Services encompasses solutions that bring together different types of mobility services to form one mobility service that’s easily accessible on demand.
Thanks to MaaS, a public transport service user needs just a single mobile application to access any mobility service they need. With the mobile app, they can book as many tickets as they want for various locations and pay all of them through a single payment channel integrated into the application. This convenience is one of the best value propositions that you, a transport service provider, can offer to your customers.
Having MaaS as a component of your transport business is a sure way of solving the mobility service system’s inconvenient components that your customers would otherwise have to deal with individually.
MaaS concept
MaaS aims at ensuring that commuters can access various mobility services hassle-free. As such, its primary concept is to put public transport service users at the center of transport networks and services. Consequently, this mobility innovation features a mobile app through which public transport service users can access mobility solutions that are customized to their preferred mode of transport and individual needs. Whether one needs bike-sharing, public transit, taxi and/or car rental service, MaaS allows them to evaluate various options and pay easily using a single mobile application.
Considering the concept, there’s no doubt that Mobility-as-a-Service is a sure bet when it comes to offering a user-centric solution in your transport business. Nobody will want to face the inconvenience of buying travel tickets through different platforms while they have the option of accessing all the transport services they need under one roof, on a single mobile app. Whether an individual, a family, or a company wants a monthly or pay-as-you-go transport service subscription, a MaaS platform offers them the flexibility to choose the option that suits them best.
An ideal MaaS platform provides a commuter with nearly all the real-time information they need to know the best public transport option to use to travel from point A to point B. This information pertains to all journey stages, from trip planning and booking to tickets and payments. The best option could be to do the shortest distance, the shortest travel time, the most comfort, and/or lowest cost. With private means of transport out of the question, this is the best way for a commuter to be on top of their travels.
More Benefits of MaaS
- New business models
As mentioned earlier, just like any other sector in the economy, the transport industry experiences continuous changes. Most of the transport business models that worked decades ago have lost their effectiveness. This requires transport businesses to rethink and come up with new business models. This is where the influence of Mobility-as-a-Service comes into play again-by bringing new business models
- Improved information access
Additionally, MaaS presents new approaches for organizing and operating different transport industry components. For instance, a successful MaaS platform improves the accessibility of the information regarding the demand for a particular transport option to the relevant operators. With the information, the operators can make highly informed decisions on their service positioning on the market and the necessary improvements for a higher competitive edge.
- New business opportunities
Additionally, an ideal MaaS service platform provides transport operators with real-time insights that come in handy in the identification of new market opportunities.
- Reduced traffic congestion
Every trip planner wants to move people from point A to point B as conveniently and comfortably as possible. This is what pushes people to own private cars. Unfortunately, looking at the bigger picture, the comfort and convenience create another mobility problem, especially in urban areas – traffic congestion. Urban mobility is another challenge that a MaaS platform needs to address. This mobility paradigm shift brings private car ownership alternatives that are equally convenient, plus additional sustainability and cost-effectiveness to the commuters’ eyes. With public transport solutions that are more sustainable, cheaper, and equally convenient, many people won’t be treating a private car as a necessity. As a result, urban areas that have been experiencing traffic congestions will have fewer cars on the road, thus reducing congestion.
- More data-driven services for cities
MaaS integrates different transport networks into one platform. City authorities can use the information of these networks from a MaaS platform to get insights on what they need to come up with more efficient mobility services.
Considering the above benefits, Smart mobility start-ups and B2B transport companies such as MOTIONTAG have become one of the leaders when it comes to the Maas Industry, but it is safe to say that this field remains open for others to get their piece of the cake.