Welcome to our brand-new newsletter, covering all things ITS!
The Intelligent Transportation Systems is a rapidly evolving sector, reshaping how people and goods interact. Many sub sections fall under ITS, including;
-????????? Smart Mobility
-????????? Sustainable Mobility
-????????? Urban Mobility
-????????? Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
-????????? Tolling Systems
-????????? Smart Ticketing
-????????? Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2X)
-????????? Traffic Management Systems
This newsletter will serve as a go to resource for staying up to date and informed about the latest trends and developments in transportation technology.
In this month’s edition, we’ll explore:
- Market Highlights- Focusing on the MaaS market
- Regional efforts towards ITS innovation, including Smart Ticketing, Mobility, and Tolling Systems etc
- Key Trends
- Impact on Job Sector
1- Market Highlights: Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Booms
The global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market was valued at USD 402.46 billion in 2023, and is on track to hit $2,613.7 billion by 2032, with a notable CAGR rate of 23.12% over this period, driven by rising demand for sustainable transportation solutions. According to recent reports, the sector’s growth is fuelled by the following, with key market players being in the Asia-Pacific region, with significant contributions from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. :
- Increasing adoption of digital platforms for multimodal travel: The increase of user-friendly apps and digital tools enabling the integration of multiple transportation modes, such as buses, trains, ride-hailing, and bike-sharing, has significantly enhanced customer convenience. This shift aligns with consumer preference for flexible, subscription-based models over traditional vehicle ownership.
- Integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into MaaS ecosystems: Many service providers are investing in EV fleets, leveraging incentives, and collaborating with EV manufacturers to align with global sustainability goals.
- Growing investments in smart urban infrastructure: Governments and private stakeholders are making significant investments in smart cities and urban infrastructure to support MaaS growth. Technologies such as 5G connectivity, AI-driven traffic management, and IoT-enabled devices enhance the efficiency and scalability of MaaS systems.
- ITS and V2I Innovation: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in November 2021, allocates substantial funding to accelerate the use of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies. These technologies assist communication between vehicles and roadway infrastructure, enhancing road safety and operational efficiency. The IIJA highlights the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and supports the integration of advanced technologies into the transportation network.
- Tolling Systems: States such as California and Florida are expanding electronic tolling systems, to alleviate congestion and promote seamless travel. For instance, California's FasTrak system enables electronic toll payments across all tolled bridges, express lanes, and roads in the state, streamlining traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks. (FasTrak). Similarly, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise has implemented all-electronic tolling on several roadways, eliminating cash transactions and enhancing travel efficiency (Global Construction Review).
- MaaS: Cities like Seattle and Denver are establishing Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) initiatives by developing real-time travel applications that integrate various transportation options, including public transit, ridesharing, and micromobility services. Seattle's "Ride Now" pilot program offers free and discounted rides to transit and essential services, seeking to improve accessibility and convenience for residents. (SDOT Blog). Denver's "Go Denver" app provides users with a platform to plan and pay for trips across multiple modes of transportation, facilitating seamless mobility within the city (ITS International).
- Urban Mobility: London and Manchester are at the forefront of implementing smart traffic management systems that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise real-time traffic flow. In Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has partnered with VivaCity Labs to deploy AI-controlled 'smart' traffic junctions. These systems use sensors with inbuilt AI to anonymously identify different types of road users and adjust traffic signals accordingly, enhancing traffic flow and accommodating various modes of transportation. In addition to this, in August, Manchester also received over ￡20m funding for smarter, more sustainable transportation. This also includes ￡1.99m released to develop a traffic- free active travel route.( Traffic Technology Today)
- Smart Ticketing: The expansion of contactless and mobile ticketing systems on rail and bus networks continues to improve commuter experiences. The expansion of contactless and mobile ticketing systems across rail and bus networks in the UK has significantly improved the commuter experience. Transport for London (TfL) has implemented a contactless payment system that allows passengers to use contactless bank cards or mobile devices to pay as they go on all transport services, including buses, the Tube, trams, and certain National Rail services. This system simplifies fare payments and reduces the need for paper tickets.
- Sustainable Mobility: Sustainable mobility initiatives, such as the adoption of electric buses and the implementation of bike-sharing schemes, are central to achieving net-zero carbon emissions targets in the UK. London has made significant strides by increasing the number of zero-emission buses on its roads, contributing to cleaner air and the decarbonisation of the transport network. (Transport for London). Additionally, bike-sharing schemes have been introduced in various cities, promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles. These efforts collectively contribute to the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
- Traffic Management Systems: European cities like Amsterdam and Paris are implementing dynamic traffic flow systems, integrating IoT for real-time congestion reduction. Amsterdam has implemented smart traffic systems utilising advanced Ethernet switching and routing to enhance traffic control. (The Times).
- Sustainable Investments: The European Union’s Green Deal funding is accelerating electric vehicle infrastructure and low-emission zone development. In July 2024, the EU allocated over €7 billion to 134 projects aimed at developing a sustainable, smart, and resilient transport network, aligning with the European Green Deal objectives (Cinea).
- MaaS Growth: Countries like Finland and Sweden are leading the development of MaaS platforms, integrating various transport services into integrated systems to enhance urban mobility. These initiatives serve as benchmarks for global adoption, promoting efficient transportation solutions.
- Electric Vehicle Integration: The EU aims to have 3.5 million public charging points by 2030 to support the electrification of transport, indicating a significant expansion in EV-sharing schemes and public charging infrastructure. (Global EV Outlook 2024 – Analysis - IEA)
- AI and Machine Learning: Advanced algorithms are being integrated into traffic management systems to optimise traffic flow and reduce emissions, enhancing the efficiency of urban transportation networks. (Smart Mobility - European Commission)
- Sustainable Tolling Solutions: Eco-friendly tolling practices, like congestion pricing, are gaining traction to encourage greener commuting habits.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Partnerships between governments and tech firms are driving innovation in ITS and urban mobility, facilitating the development and deployment of advanced transportation solutions.
4-What This Means for Talent in ITS
The mobility tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating high demand for professionals skilled in:
- Smart ticketing system development: The global smart ticketing market was valued at approximately USD 10.14 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is driven by the integration of emerging technologies and the need for seamless, manageable transit solutions, in turn, requiring an increase in professionals within this field. (Smart Ticketing Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030)
- ITS and traffic management solutions: The ITS market is expanding rapidly, as cities adopt advanced traffic management systems to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Automation and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) data is being increasingly used to implement appropriate safety measures and improve traffic flow, necessitating skilled professionals in these technologies.( PTV Blog)
- Mobility platform design and user experience: The mobility sector is witnessing a shift towards integrated platforms that offer multimodal transportation options. A McKinsey survey indicated that 46% of respondents are open to replacing private vehicles with alternative transportation options over the next decade, underscoring the importance of user-centric platform design (McKinsey).
- EV and V2X infrastructure planning: The transition to electric and automated vehicles is prompting a re-evaluation of workforce skills across the automotive supply chain. Governments and companies are investing in training programs to upskill workers for the EV sector, highlighting the demand for expertise in EV infrastructure and V2X communication systems (Reuters)
We hope this provides a valuable insight into the world of ITS. We would love to hear any of your thoughts or feedback surrounding the topic, so please do not hesitate to get in touch or leave a comment :)
#MaaS #SmartMobility #ITS #SustainableTransport #UrbanMobility #TechRecruitment
