How can MaaS support multimodal and active transportation options and behaviors?

1 MaaS and multimodal transportation

Multimodal transportation refers to using more than one mode of transport for a single trip, such as taking a bus and a bike, or a train and a scooter. MaaS can facilitate multimodal transportation by offering seamless integration of different modes, real-time information, dynamic pricing, and personalized recommendations. By providing a one-stop shop for planning, booking, and paying for various mobility services, MaaS can make multimodal transportation more convenient and attractive for users. Moreover, MaaS can incentivize users to choose more efficient and sustainable modes by offering discounts, rewards, or gamification features.

2 MaaS and active transportation

Active transportation refers to human-powered modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, or skating, that provide physical activity and health benefits. MaaS can support active transportation by incorporating it as a viable and desirable option in the mobility ecosystem. For example, MaaS can provide access to bike-sharing or micro-mobility services, integrate walking or cycling routes into trip planning, or offer incentives for active travel, such as reduced fares, loyalty points, or carbon credits. Additionally, MaaS can enhance the safety and comfort of active transportation by providing information on traffic conditions, weather, or infrastructure.

3 MaaS and user behavior

MaaS can influence user behavior by providing information, choice, and feedback on different mobility options and their impacts. MaaS can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences, needs, and constraints, such as time, cost, convenience, or environmental impact. MaaS can also enable users to compare and evaluate different modes and trips, and to receive feedback on their travel behavior, such as distance traveled, calories burned, money saved, or emissions reduced. Furthermore, MaaS can leverage behavioral economics and social psychology principles to nudge users towards more multimodal and active transportation options and behaviors, such as by framing, social norms, or defaults.

4 MaaS and network integration

MaaS can support network integration by connecting different mobility providers and users in a coordinated and optimized way. MaaS can facilitate network integration by enabling data sharing, interoperability, and standardization among different modes and platforms. MaaS can also improve network integration by optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and resources, reducing congestion and emissions, and increasing accessibility and equity. Additionally, MaaS can foster network integration by creating synergies and partnerships among different stakeholders, such as public authorities, private operators, civil society, and researchers.

5 MaaS and challenges

MaaS has the potential to support multimodal and active transportation options and behaviors, however, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. Regulatory and institutional barriers, such as unclear roles, legal frameworks, and governance models for MaaS must be addressed. Technical and operational barriers, such as lack of interoperability, compatibility, reliability of different modes and platforms or cybersecurity and privacy issues must also be considered. Additionally, economic and financial barriers, such as lack of viable business models, revenue streams, or funding sources for MaaS must be addressed. Lastly, MaaS faces social and behavioral barriers such as lack of trust, awareness or acceptance among users or providers or resistance to change or habit.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?