MaaS as a complete ecosystem
Data is a sensitive issue for MaaS and because it is seen by many stakeholders as a commodity, the access to it is limited. Major academic publications warn about the dangerous of private data and how they can create monopoly practices, block innovation and slow AI progress.
Major companies unwisely see data as an asset they can monetize and strongly lobby public authorities to believe there is economic gains on holding data. If those companies shared data the probability of making an AI breakthrough faster would increase.
Currently big platforms such as Facebook and Google are already making major AI breakthroughs because of their privileged access to data. Those companies are distancing themselves from their European rivals who don’t have access to big sets of data. Google is already a big player in the mobility market and has more data accumulated from self-driving vehicles than any other European company.
AI and machine learning are leading the next industrial revolution, and there are only AI breakthroughs where big data sets are available. AI will change Mobility and MaaS like it will change any other industry. Companies with access to data will therefore offer better mobilities services unfairly. Not the companies that develop the best AIs but the companies that have access to the most data.
If data is transformed in a commodity, small and medium size startups, academics and the innovation economy will find themselves in an unfair playground.
Data has already been used to create unfair advantages. Ride-sharing companies use data to compete with mass transit systems and rivals. Data is key to eliminate small local mobility operators by international mobility operators.
Currently the blockages to MaaS are portable digital ticketing and access to API’s (Machine to Machine interfaces and communication), creating closed MaaS services where the MaaS operators control the transport service and deny access to other MaaS operators, building strategic monopolies, often with strategic exclusive deals with public authorities and mass transit systems.
Data is crucial on the infrastructure and maintenance levels. Cities require unrestricted and unfiltered access to data to optimize road works and city planning, stop and pick up areas, chargers and mass transit and many other urban strategies that will require AI knowledge.
AI will be able to identify when a car needs cleaning or a new part. Fleet operators can use AI to know for example when screen wipes need replacement before they get broken. Without the access to this data only privileged fleet operators will be able to know when their cars need a part replacement.
User data is the data that is not necessary for mobility services to operate but is the one being demanded by everyone. This data is very valuable to monetise mobility with targeted marketing and advertising. User data is not required for intermodal transport and should not be shared.
Summary:
Data access in MaaS is crucial for its optimization by the many stakeholders involved. Public authorities with limited budgets already, will not be able to optimize their public offers and cities infrastructure and private companies will dictate the use of AIs. The AI industry will not advance as much as it could because the creative economy will be blocked from the exclusive market data banks.
The AI economy has multiple times more potential and represents bigger economic and social gains than the data economy.
Companies should put their efforts in their AI abilities and development.
Historical data can and should be monetized and represents enough value to incentivise data collection. Although mobility live data must be free and accessible because these vehicles use public infrastructure to operate. Mobility services have one of the biggest impacts in citizens well being and affect our cities economically and socially. Data restrictions will slow MaaS development and create monopolies.
Accessibility
Machine to machine connections and interfaces are regularly mixed with data access and that can be very misleading. APIs or connection protocols will allow vehicles to connect with open infrastructure, other vehicles, traffic systems and chargers. MaaS applications can inform users about vehicles’ malfunctions, speed or give access to entertainment controls, such as radio and screens.
Transport and fleet operators can make repairs over the air, access climate controls or safety features.
