![Why is MaaS Important? [Infographic]](https://nationalexpresstransit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/next-maas-graphic-2019.jpg)
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) describes a movement towards mobility solutions that are consumed as a service by using a variety of transportation modes and a system of shared data. Learn more about the personal and societal benefits below with our infographic.
Technology and mobility are merging. From hybrid cars taking the auto industry by storm to the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, exciting possibilities are beginning to flourish, which means new movements to familiarize yourself with.
As populations become increasingly urbanized and city densities rise, inner-city transportation models need to evolve. In many large cities across the US, even those considered to have relatively strong public transit systems, current transportation models are falling short in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. This shortcoming isn't because the public transportation systems are set up poorly, but because the current models have surpassed their scalability. Fortunately, an alternative exists.
According to the UN, another 2.5 billion people could be added to urbanized cities by 2050 increasing the proportion of urban areas in the population to 68%. These growing urban populations are creating a host of issues including increased congestion. This severe city congestion will inhibit mobility and contribute to the already high rate of automobile accidents—around 1.3 million deaths worldwide—if transit companies and other organizations don’t implement a solution.
For those who aren’t familiar, mobility as a service (MaaS) is a series of concepts about a new transportation model—particularly in urban areas—that removes the need for private vehicle ownership by offering bundled transportation options as a service. Through the combined efforts of public and private organizations, riders embark on personalized and optimized transportation routes using a variety of different transportation modes: cars, trains, scooters, etc. MaaS promises to revolutionize transportation as we know it, so how does it work?