MaaS for paratransit minibus taxis in developing countries: A review

Abstract

Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), is a concept originally developed to enhance transport accessibility through the provision of tailored mobility services that are paid for in one package. Tailored on-demand transport sharing as MaaS proposes, could allow for greater optimization of transportation resources, reduction in congestion, and a shift away from car dependence. In so doing, MaaS can create sustainable consumption and ensure the maximization of otherwise underutilized public transport assets. In the developing world, the concept of MaaS can seem abstract and challenging to implement. This is primarily because the transport forms available in these places are unstructured, informal and often, poorly regulated. Despite this, public transportation options in developing countries stand the chance of benefitting the most from the inclusion of technology in their operations. To implement MaaS in developing countries, there may be a need for a re-envisioning of MaaS itself. Additionally, gaps that can be filled with technology have to be identified, and operator and commuter willingness to adopt technological innovation, determined. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges in implementing MaaS in developing economies and makes recommendations of best-fitting technological solutions for these settings. The paper proposes as well, a conceptual business model for a paratransit-based MaaS, constructed around the current operations of paratransit.