MaaS use cases #5: changing business models and innovative use of transport assets
This is the fifth article in a 10-part series on mobility as a service (MaaS) use cases, highlighting the many different ways in which it can help to solve travel and transport problems for individuals, organisations and governments.
With every new business model comes a widening array of options for citizens, particularly in urban areas. From ride sharing and micromobility to peer-to-peer transport and more, the growing number of opportunities makes for a dynamic and exciting sector.
In addition to optimising existing transport assets, organisations can review how they’re used — and what other purposes they can serve. The coronavirus pandemic forced us all to think differently. This included using transportation for means other than its original purpose such as delivering food and medicine instead of people by trains, buses and taxis.
This opens up MaaS to citizens and organisations needing to transport goods too; it’s about matching needs and being open to alternatives. Using MaaS to book spare capacity can ensure assets are being utilised to maximum potential, bringing in additional — and often new — revenue streams.
On another level, peer-to-peer (P2P) allows people to share their cars — personally-owned assets that are usually only used for a small percentage of the time. Offering a MaaS platform that allows car owners to rent out their car acts as an income stream for both the car owner and the platform.
The beauty of MaaS is that it allows different business models to co-exist, providing an opportunity for organisations to get in front of more travellers. For users too, it provides them with more choice from the transport options in their area and creates new innovations that support both communities and business.
“COVID-19 taught us all the importance of being agile: a determination to look for alternative ways to survive and thrive. As a MaaS-enabler, coming up with solutions to real-world travel ‘problems’ is what drives us each and every day, providing information and services that make people’s lives and businesses better. Our new occupancy feature is just the start as we look to open up the full potential of MaaS far beyond simply journey planning.”
Sandra Witzel, head of marketing at SkedGo
MaaS business models in practice
Example: E-cargo bikes are delivering goods to homes and businesses in London, UK. Matching the efficiency of delivery vans, this mode supports the vision for MaaS of efficient low-carbon journeys (DLA Piper). Services such as this could be integrated into MaaS apps to allow individuals and organisations to access transport for delivery services, creating a win-win for everyone.
Scenario: Angela’s car spends most of its time in her garage or the car park where she works. It’s an expensive (and depreciating) asset. She decides to join a MaaS platform that allows her to ‘hire’ the car out when it’s not in use. Not only does this provide additional income for Angela, it also provides convenience for the hirer. In the meantime she can book an e-scooter or share-bike through the MaaS app for short trips around the neighbourhood.
Who are MaaS business models for
- Startups
- Transport operators
- Service providers
- Infrastructure managers
- Organisations with fleets
- Car owners
- Software providers
Questions to ask yourself
- In what ways is your current business model future-proofed? What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?
- How else could you use your assets (physical or digital) to provide a better service and improve revenue streams?
- If you had to start from scratch, how would your business or service look today? How different is it and what do you need to change or improve?
- How can MaaS help you reshape your business to achieve your goals?
Answering questions like these will help you figure out how you can reshape your business or service to make better use of transport assets, improve services or generate more revenue. If you’re a startup, transport service provider, fleet manager or other organisation that would benefit from MaaS, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss how SkedGo could help your organisation.
Read part 1 about accessibility, part 2 about corporate mobility, part 3 about active travel and part 4 about lifestyle MaaS of this series.
