As we navigate towards a greener, more sustainable future, MaaS emerges as a catalyst for change, driving us towards a more connected, efficient, and inclusive urban mobility ecosystem
In the dynamic landscape of urbanisation, India faces formidable challenges in navigating its expanding transportation needs. As cities expand and populations swell, the demand for efficient and sustainable mobility solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative approach to urban transportation that integrates various modes of mobility into a cohesive, user-centric system. This article explores the potential of MaaS to revolutionise mobility in India, focusing on its role in fostering sustainability and driving development.
MaaS represents a paradigm shift in urban mobility, envisioning a future where travellers seamlessly navigate cities by integrating public and private transport modes within a unified ecosystem. This holistic approach not only enhances convenience for commuters but also holds significant implications for sustainability. By optimising the utilisation of each form of transport, MaaS has the potential to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and promote eco-friendly transportation choices.
India stands at a critical juncture in its urban development trajectory, grappling with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and burgeoning transportation needs. With road transport accounting for a significant portion of India's CO2 emissions, there is a pressing need to transition towards more sustainable mobility solutions (IEA "Transitioning India's Road Transport Sector” report). MaaS presents a unique opportunity to address these challenges by streamlining the transport ecosystem and offering integrated mobility solutions tailored to the needs of Indian cities.
The average Indian driver spends 128 hours per year in traffic, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to alleviate congestion and improve mobility (TOI). Public transport emerges as a key player in the quest for sustainable urban mobility, offering a viable alternative to private vehicles. Studies show that public transport slashes emissions by up to ⅔ per passenger-km compared to cars, highlighting its role in reducing environmental impact (ORF online). By promoting the use of public transport and incentivising modal shifts, MaaS can contribute to significant reductions in carbon emissions and air pollution.
In cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, sprawling rail networks compete directly with bus operators, resulting in underserved transportation systems that fail to meet the needs of commuters. As India embarks on its journey towards sustainable urban mobility, the integration of MaaS into existing transport frameworks holds immense promise. However, realizing this vision requires concerted efforts from policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
Regulatory reforms are needed to foster collaboration between public and private transit operators, while investments in infrastructure and technology are essential to enable seamless mobility experiences for commuters. The Indian government's efforts to set standards for national transit ticketing represent a step in the right direction, but more concerted action is needed to align public and private transit networks effectively.
The integration of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions represents a transformative opportunity for India's urban mobility landscape. By harnessing the principles of sustainability and innovation, MaaS has the potential to revolutionise transportation, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the overall quality of life in Indian cities. As we navigate towards a greener, more sustainable future, MaaS emerges as a catalyst for change, driving us towards a more connected, efficient, and inclusive urban mobility ecosystem.
Beyond its environmental benefits, MaaS holds the promise of fostering economic development and social inclusion in India. By providing affordable and accessible transportation options, MaaS can enhance mobility for underserved communities, enabling greater participation in economic activities and social interactions. Moreover, MaaS has the potential to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the transportation sector, creating new opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
In cities where MaaS solutions have been implemented successfully, such as Helsinki and Singapore, there has been a noticeable improvement in quality-of-life indicators, including reduced congestion, shorter commute times, and increased overall satisfaction with public transport services. According to the International Energy Agency's "Transitioning India's Road Transport Sector” report, road transport accounts for 12% of India’s CO2 emissions, a figure that could double by 2050 if left unchecked. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable mobility solutions like MaaS to mitigate the environmental impact of transportation.
In Helsinki, the introduction of MaaS has led to a significant modal shift, with more commuters opting for public transport, cycling, and walking over private car usage. This shift has not only reduced traffic congestion but also improved air quality and enhanced overall urban livability.
Public transport operators stand to benefit from the implementation of MaaS, as it enables them to optimise fleet management, improve service efficiency, and better meet the evolving needs of commuters. By integrating various transport modes into a single platform, MaaS offers commuters greater flexibility and convenience in planning their journeys, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and user-centric transportation system.
The successful implementation of MaaS in India hinges on collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations. By fostering partnerships and incentivising innovation, India can unlock the full potential of MaaS to address its pressing transportation challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
(Narayan Mishra is Co-founder & CTO at Tummoc – a public transit app)