Mobility as a Service: Implications for future mainstream public transport

Abstract

Bundled offerings that facilitate using multiple means for solving everyday travel needs are proposed to hold potential to facilitate a modal shift from private cars to servitized transport modes, including public transport (PT). However, this type of offering, often coined Mobility as a Service (MaaS), may require new forms of partnerships, in which private actors play a larger role in the creation of public value. Accordingly, based on input from 19 interviews with MaaS actors in West Sweden, this paper explores how MaaS could develop and how future mainstream PT might be affected. Three predictive scenarios are identified – market-driven, public-controlled and public-private – and the impact on PT, in terms of the scope, usage, access, business model, competence structure and brand value, are discussed in relation to these. The paper also illustrates that the development of MaaS in Sweden seems to take the public-private route. Lastly, the authors conclude that finding a regulatory ‘sweet spot’ that drives innovation and secures public benefits will be key for future development.