MaaS as a Catalyst for the Public Transport Revolution in Developing Countries

Abstract

The Mobility-as-a-Service phenomenon entails the integration of different public and private transport, considering public transport as a backbone. The applicability of MaaS schemes is closely related to efficient public transport networks, which is not a reality in several developing countries. In this chapter, we present a new perspective on MaaS. Thus, we believe that for a revolution in public transport, MaaS can be a catalyst. We consider MaaS as a business model that can be modular and adaptable to any reality. By considering public transport as the backbone (whether it is efficient or not) its eventual inefficiency can be balanced with the integration of private actors, corroborating with the context of smart cities, and new alternatives for private transport means (e.g., autonomous vehicles and shuttles). To this end, we consider precepts from business ecosystem, PSS, eco-innovation, consumer behavior – and the act of sharing. Approaches like these can guide the applicability of MaaS in the context of Smart Cities and new perspectives, such as Corporate MaaS and Rural MaaS.