Written by Eric Bruun Ph.D. Senior Researcher, Kyyti Group
The MaaS concept appears to have originated with the Finnish government in policy papers from 2012. They recognized the possibility that the competitive market within the cell phone industry might pertain to urban mobility as well.
The City of Helsinki recognized the potential of MaaS to reduce the use of private cars in the central areas of cities.
Private cars both add to congestion and require substantial storage. Liberating this space could allow repurposing of parking buildings to housing. In turn, this reduces not only the pollution from transport directly but densifies the city to preserve the farms and forests on the perimeter. Building infill and up instead of outwards also prevents the increasing average trip lengths seen with sprawl. Furthermore, the volume of motorized trips so often seen in fast-growing cities can also be contained as the densifying city is more amenable to walking and bicycling trips as well as the new e-modes which are also made available through a MaaS app.
If you have any further questions regarding this topic please contact Kyyti Group MaaS experts.