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Understanding the factors that facilitate trust and collaboration in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ecosystems is crucial to the effective delivery of a MaaS scheme given the involvement of both public and private stakeholders. This paper presents the findings of a study investigating the factors that build trust and collaboration among the stakeholders in a MaaS ecosystem and provides insights into the role of regulatory authorities in enabling MaaS developments. The research approach employed the Constructivist Grounded Theory Method (CGTM) using the distinct cases of Whim in Helsinki, Finland and The Sydney MaaS trial in Sydney, Australia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the representatives of key stakeholder organizations in the two MaaS ecosystems. A conceptual framework of trust and collaboration was developed for each case study to illustrate the process of forming and consolidating trust and collaboration in each MaaS ecosystem. The findings suggest that trust acts as the antecedent and catalyst for building collaborative space within a MaaS ecosystem. Possessing a good understanding of partners' expectations is a prerequisite for collaboration given the inherent conflicts between interests and goals of the public and private sector. The capability of the partners, prior relationships and open negotiations emerged as the key constructs which form trust in a MaaS ecosystem. It was evident that appropriate policies and legislation developed with the consultation of stakeholders are critical in the development of trust and collaboration in the MaaS ecosystem. • This study investigates the factors that lead to trust and collaboration in two MaaS ecosystems, namely Whim in Helsinki, Finland, and the Sydney MaaS trial in Australia. • Prior relationships, the capability of the partners, transparent communication and flexible contracts are key factors that lead to trust in a MaaS ecosystem. • Identifying stakeholder motives, having a vision for MaaS, mutual understanding, having a MaaS champion and identifying synergies were identified as other factors that create collaboration. • The involvement of regulatory authorities is necessary to create an enabling environment for MaaS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) has the potential to improve urban mobility by reducing car ownership and promoting multimodal transport through a single mobility app that provides trip planners, booking, ticketing, and payment for different modes and bundles. However, not all existing MaaS (or potential MaaS) systems provide a fully integrated system. Several authors have proposed different methodologies to assess MaaS integration. However, these approaches have some limitations regarding the scalability or characterization of the systems, making it hard to compare between them, as the current approaches are all incremental. In this work, we propose a new method called IMPReSS, a binary coding approach that assesses several dimensions of MaaS: Information, Multimodality, Payment, Reservation, Subscription, and Societal goals. It allows proper classification and comparison of different systems, using the societal goals as a cornerstone for its evaluation. Also, we propose a complementary scoring system based on the IMPReSS topology. This qualitative and quantitative methodology will allow practitioners and researchers to characterize, identify, and adequately assess transportation services and their potential to become a fully integrated MaaS system. Our results show that mature MaaS systems with public authorities involved, and some often excluded from MaaS discussion systems are ranked higher, while some wrongly called MaaS apps are ranked at the bottom. In summary, it assesses systems from a different and flexible perspective. • Current MaaS topologies present several limitations, as they have an incremental and ordinal logic. • A new method called IMPReSS, a binary coding approach that assesses several dimensions of MaaS. • This is the first method to comprehensively classify MaaS systems. • This method allows practitioners and stakeholders to correctly identify and directly compare MaaS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Car-centred development adds significantly to the climate change threat our planet faces. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a concept looking to generate modal shift via the digital and physical integration of alternative on-demand transport services. Recent research raises concerns, however, that contrary to the hype, MaaS may result in unsustainable travel behaviour. On the one hand, future MaaS users that are now primarily drivers may not be ready to shift away from their cars, while, on the other hand, people regularly using public transport may substitute some of these journeys with MaaS-enabled car-sharing, ride-sharing and ride-hailing services. Herein, we study the effects of MaaS on intentions to own a car and to substitute public transport trips with car-centric services, via a UK-based quantitative survey. We use Principal Component Analysis and Ordinal Regression Modelling to see how MaaS-related perceptions referring to Added Value , Car Use Convenience and Enjoyment , Human Element Externalities , Trust in Functionality , Cost Incentives , Car Use Morality , Trust in Enabling Technology and Car Ownership Necessity affect usage intentions. Our results highlight some, typically less discussed, grey areas of MaaS and inform the design of policies, including car service disincentivitisation, responsible user benefits, MaaS rebranding and public transport investment prioritisation. • Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a future mobility breakthrough that may perhaps be ineffective in creating modal shift. • We use a UK-based e-survey to assess respondent intentions to own a car and to substitute public transport trips with car-centric services via MaaS. • Factors about Added Value , Car Use Convenience and Enjoyment , Human Element Externalities , Trust in Functionality , Cost Incentives, Car Use Morality , Trust in Enabling Technology and Car Ownership Necessity are specifically examined. • We provide sufficient evidence that MaaS may indeed create sustainable travel behaviour side-effects. • MaaS should be rebranded to a tool that is underpinned by car sacrifices, responsible user benefits and public transit investments if it is to support travel behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility as a service (MaaS) is an emerging framework that integrates multiple transport services into a single and intuitive platform. This paper contrasts the urban passenger transport markets in developed versus developing economies to understand the challenges of integrating mobility services using the MaaS framework, with a focus on decarbonization and sustainability as societal goals. In addition, we conducted a Life Cycle Assessment of carbon emissions and energy requirements of travel alternatives in the city of Santiago, Chile, to shed light on the effects of multimodality as an environmental tool. A summary of findings follows. Data sharing and open data are new in developing countries, and thus more investment in data infrastructure is required so that MaaS can leverage digital technology and network optimization. If the scalability of MaaS is an open question in developed countries, it is more so in developing countries, owning to institutional and financial constraints that are present in the latter. The lack of public subsidies to support formal public transport is a key limitation for the implementation of MaaS schemes and multimodal frameworks in the developing world. Regarding formality, in countries with an informal public transport sector, a potential implementation of MaaS will be spatially constrained to those locations where public transport operates formally and frequently (BRT and rail lines), limiting its spatial coverage and posing social equity issues. In countries with scarce or no public funds available for the transport sector, MaaS could be used as a catalyst for a broad environmental and equity-seeking transport pricing reform which requires a direct involvement of public sector in both regulation and financial backing. We conclude that the formalization and general improvement of the public transport sector, the regulation of shared-mobility platforms including the formalization of the work of drivers, and the setting of proper pricing and subsidization instruments in the direction of internalizing the social costs of motorized traffic, are all prerequisites for any MaaS system that aims to improve economic efficiency, social equity, and sustainability. • Assess MaaS as a framework for decarbonization in developing world. • Discuss governance and equity issues in implementing MaaS. • Identify carbon policy for different cities to achieve sustainability. • Conduct a life cycle assessment to inform carbon strategies. • Scalability is a key challenge in both developing and developed worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While several governmental and research efforts are set upon mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), most of them are driven by individual travel behavior and potential usage. However, considering only individuals' preferences carries the risk of neglecting societal benefits going beyond individual travel behavior. This study addresses the valuation of different features of MaaS-services from a social desirability perspective as compared to social investments in biking infrastructure and in public transport, and aims at eliciting trade-offs between different features of such projects. This analysis is conducted on the basis of Participatory Value Evaluation (PVE). In PVE-experiments, individuals select their preferred portfolio of government projects given a constrained public budget and societal preferences for (the impacts of) government projects can be determined based on these choices. The results show that the population of Rotterdam exhibits a willingness to allocate public resources to all types of investment projects considered in the analysis. However, the willingness to allocate resources to bike infrastructure projects and public transport seems to be higher than the willingness to dedicate resources to MaaS subsidies. Within the different types of MaaS subsidies considered, subsidies aimed at sustainability exhibit a larger social valuation. Strong negative synergies among similar projects exist, signalizing that individuals prefer diversifying the use of public resources across different types of investment projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has the aim of providing an evidence base for framing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) - or MaaS-like - solutions (i.e. technology-led) in rural or remote areas. This is explored particularly within the context of the policy of reducing transport disadvantage. We begin with a definition of MaaS – what it is and what it is not. This is followed by discussion of the array of existing mobility solutions typically found in rural areas which may be incorporated within MaaS. The main body of the paper focusses on the experience to date with MaaS in a regional and rural setting with consideration of recent evidence in an international context. We consider the elements of rural MaaS, and a variety of MaaS schemes, their status and levels of integration. A key discussion point is the finding that most previous and extant "Rural MaaS" schemes do not go beyond "MaaS level 2", suggesting the need for a renewed focus on understanding the barriers to the implementation and growth of MaaS in a regional and rural setting. Findings show that MaaS in a rural context is dominated by a preponderance of short-lived pilots with only a small user base, even in Finland and Sweden which can be described as the trailblazer locations. There are examples of niche schemes such as tourist focussed and there is evidence that car-based services are becoming more prevalent. Ultimately, prospects for scalability appear limited in current Rural MaaS activities since this will depend on how well MaaS segments the market. • An investigation of recent experience with MaaS in a rural and regional context. • MaaS in a rural context is dominated by a preponderance of short-lived pilots. • Prospects for scalability appear limited in current rural MaaS activities. • There is evidence that car-based modes are becoming more prevalent. • Barriers to the implementation and growth of rural MaaS need to be better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, there are raising concerns regarding MaaS capabilities, mainly related to its impact on modal shift. In this brief, we aim to highlight the importance of refocusing the discussion around MaaS potential by arguing that it should be considered a powerful tool for public authorities to steer and optimize urban transport networks rather than a means to reduce car ownership. We believe this discussion is relevant given the rising number of MaaS skeptics and people losing faith in the concept. This approach is based on the possible accessibility gains, and the equity impacts it could bring for instance, in the global south and the gender gap in transport. • Most MaaS studies and decisions are focused on current car users, this approach may be inequitable. • We highlight why other types of users should be considered and how they could make MaaS feasible. • We analyze MaaS situation from a Multi-level perspective. • MaaS could empower the public transport and land use strategy, becoming a tool for strategic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megatrends such as urbanization, digitalization, and decarbonization have created the necessity for new and creative approaches to the urban transportation system. As a solution to the problems of the increasingly digitalized urban transportation environment, "Mobility-as-a-Service" (MaaS) was proposed as a new sustainable transportation concept in Helsinki in 2014. With the use of the MaaS concept, residents of a large emerging metropolis, such as Istanbul, Turkey, can be offered a fast, efficient, environment-friendly, and inexpensive way of travel. However, despite the significant benefits of MaaS, there are several factors that can hinder the adoption of MaaS. This paper aims to analyze these barriers and their contextual relationships with each other using Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) and Matrix-based-Multiplication-Applied-to-a-Classification (MICMAC) methods. The case study has been conducted on an expert group to explore which significant barriers might be encountered during the adoption of a MaaS system in Istanbul. This study also addresses how these barriers should be overcome, and the MaaS concept should be adopted in Istanbul. The results showed that the most significant barrier to adopting the MaaS concept in Istanbul are Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines that primarily include the legal nature of this mobility service. The least important barriers are found to be Customer Acceptance and Labor Shortage. Therefore, the case study results provided a unique perspective for emerging countries in terms of barriers to successful MaaS implementations and revealed significant differences from the developed countries. • This study is the first study to investigate the significant barriers to the successful adoption of MaaS for developing country context. • Istanbul is selected as a large emerging metropolis case. Eight possible barriers are identified with an extensive systematic literature review. • Total Interpretive Structural Modeling is used to identify and interpret these barriers, and MICMAC is used to classify the m by an expert group. • Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines is found as the most significant barrier in adopting the MaaS concept in Istanbul. • The least important barriers are found to be Customer Acceptance and Labor Shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to UN statistics, the population of people in vulnerable social groups, namely elderly people, people with disabilities, and low-income populations, has increased over the recent decades. It is projected that this trend will continue in the future. Thus, their mobility and access to transport services are important areas to study. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a digital platform (smartphone application) that aims to encourage more sustainable travel. MaaS is promoted as being accessible to all user groups. However, there are limited studies linking MaaS with vulnerable social groups and their particular needs. This paper comprehensively reviews studies on the emergence of such platforms since 2014 until today to identify the research gaps with respect to vulnerable social groups. A framework and MaaS Inclusion Index (MaaSINI) are then proposed to evaluate the inclusion in MaaS services, focusing on vulnerable social groups' needs at a service level instead of a city/area level. The framework and policy recommendations proposed in this study will make a significant contribution in guiding stakeholders and policymakers in implementing accessible-for-all-users MaaS services targeting sustainable and inclusive transport. • This work includes a comprehensive review of existing MaaS studies with respect to Vulnerable Social Groups' (VSGs) needs. • Supply and demand side of MaaS systems are discussed considering VSGs' needs. • A novel MaaS Inclusion Index (MaaSINI) is proposed to evaluate the inclusiveness of MaaS systems. • A real-World MaaS app and some other scenarios are evaluated using the proposed MaaSINI framework. • Directions for future research and policy implications are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public authorities are increasingly pursuing activities to pave the way for Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). The range of activities includes regulation reforms, technology developments and investments in trials. Despite progress, concrete MaaS developments are still limited. Thus, it remains uncertain how effective the current MaaS policies will be in terms of facilitating the development and diffusion of MaaS that generate public value. Drawing on collaborative innovation and sustainability transitions literatures, this paper aims to provide a basis for analyzing MaaS policies by introducing a framework that identifies aspects such policies should address. An empirical analysis of Transport for New South Wales's MaaS policy program is utilized to illustrate how the framework can be applied. The contribution to the transport literature is twofold. First, the paper refines the conceptual understanding of what MaaS is, and why it differs from the present state of affairs. Second, it advances the knowledge of how the public sector can facilitate its development and diffusion. • Improves the conceptual understanding of MaaS and of how MaaS differs from existing practices. • Advances the knowledge of how the public sector can facilitate the development and diffusion of MaaS. • Develops a framework for analyzing MaaS policy programs and demonstrates how it can be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]