Rita Prior Filipe

Feasibility of implementing Mobility as a Service in a regional context

In an era where technology and transportation are so interlinked, new mobility concepts arise as is the case of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). MaaS is expected to produce significant improvements in mobility such as the increase in modal share of more environmentally friendly and efficient mobility options, the reduction in private car use/ownership, improving accessibility and frequency of the transportation network and strengthening the cooperation and collaboration between public and private entities to reinforce the integration of transport modes in one platform accessible to everyone.

Despite the rapid developments occurring in the transport network, there are still challenges that should be addressed. One example is geographical exclusion which could be associated with a poorer development of the mobility network outside of big urban areas. Another one is the technological and inherent social exclusion, associated with certain types of demographics. There is also the challenge of getting all the necessary stakeholders (policymakers, transport operators, users…) involved and invested in the implementation of MaaS.

Overall MaaS is expected to contribute significantly towards a more inclusive and accessible regional and Nacional transport network, but for that to happen the remaining challenges and barriers need to be considered and mitigated.

Aims

Rita's PhD research aims to assess the potential for Mobility as a Service's implementation in a regional context

Potential applications and benefits

This research will directly inform the transportation sector and its inherent dimensions, from the regulation to the operation stage. Furthermore, it will impact on influencing social and travelling behaviour as well as territorial and transport planning, therefore targeting a wide range of stakeholders involved in the service's implementation.

The potential applications coming out of this project are not only a study of MaaS implementation in the regional context, as opposed to only big urban areas but also guidelines for what should be considered when designing and planning the regional transport network. Additionally, it will benefit stakeholders involved while convincing them to adopt pro-environmental travelling behaviour. This research could be a significant starting point to help reinforce territorial cohesion by setting an example for other areas in similar conditions.

Some of the expected benefits are the improvement in social connection through a more sustainable, equitable and accessible transport network, a decrease in the number of road accidents, encouraging the use of public transportation as opposed to the use of the private vehicle and improving air quality contributing towards a more sustainable transport network.

Relevance to the research council

This project is aligned with the EPSRC’s prosperity outcome of delivering Resilience by exploring ways of strengthening the connection between urban and rural areas through an integrated, multimodal, and accessible transport service. Furthermore, it contributes towards the Council’s goal of accelerating and spreading innovation in transport, benefiting society, the environment, and the economy.