Mobility as a Service needs government’s support and leadership, say MPs

A report from the Transport Committe has said that the government should lead in supporting the development of new digital platforms for planning journeys to ensure the widest possible benefits.

MPs say in the report that the schemes have the potential to transform how people travel, just as technology has changed how people consume and pay for other services.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) will allow people to plan, book and pay for their travel across public, shared and private transport using a smartphone or other device.

Pilot schemes have suggested substantial benefits to individuals and society, including reduced road congestion, improved air quality, healthier travel choices, increased efficiency in transport networks and more effective management of transport demand.

The benefits will be far wider if MaaS is considered in the development of policy and strategy across Government, working alongside existing work such as the Clean Air Strategy; the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy; the promotion and development of electric and connected and autonomous vehicles and the Future of Mobility challenge, which is part of the Government's Industrial Strategy.

The Department for Transport must now play a more active part by supporting and funding a variety of MaaS projects, says the Report.

The Committee warns that allowing schemes to develop in an uncontrolled way, risks unintended negative consequences such as increasing congestion and exacerbating digital and social exclusion.

There is a key role for government to review and update current guidelines, codes of practice and regulations covering the provision of transport services so that MaaS schemes are properly accommodated within the regulatory framework. Passengers’ interests must be protected when they are making multi-modal journeys, in case of accident or failure in service, and their financial interests must not be harmed as the MaaS market grows. There will also need to be effective sharing of data between transport operators and MaaS platform providers, consistent with their respective commercial interests and the protection of passengers' personal data.

Chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP, said: "The use of smartphones has transformed the way in which people access and pay for all sorts of services, and there’s clearly potential for integrated apps that can handle route planning and booking tickets to make it much easier for people to plan and pay for their journeys.

"It’s essential that Government has the bigger picture on developing schemes and the maximum potential is achieved. Possible benefits such as cutting congestion on our roads and cleaner air fit in with many of the Government’s current objectives including proposals to promote cycling and walking.

"The Committee believes MaaS should now feature more prominently in the Department for Transport’s future plans.  This can be done by supporting and funding a variety of MaaS projects.

"This is an exciting opportunity to really shape the development of truly integrated transport planning across the country. Now is the time for Ministers to take charge and start supporting and funding current and future pilot projects. Mobility as a Service - MaaS - could revolutionise the way in which people travel."