The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) has launched a new Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) project to encourage a shift away from sole occupancy vehicles across the Scottish region.
The Go-Hi MaaS project aims help residents, businesses and tourists through a new app to access a range of shared transport options, while acting as a blueprint for other regions.
Powered by Fleetondemand’s Mobilleo MaaS platform, the app is designed to provide instant access to information on buses, trains, taxis, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries. This allows users to plan their journeys and find, book and pay for all modes of transport in one place using any iPhone or Android mobile device.
Project partners include Enterprise Car Club and Car Hire, Bewegen, Brompton Bike Hire, Stagecoach Bus, West Coast Motors, Inverness Taxis, ScotRail, Loganair, Shotl, Skedgo, Orkney Ferries and Northlink Ferries.
Allan Henderson, chair of HITRANS, said: “This pioneering project provides a one stop shop for all travel needs, combining a journey planner with real-time travel information, tickets and payment options, allowing integration of bus, rail, flight, bike, car club, demand responsive transport car rental and taxi operators across the Highlands.
“It is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors. It also addresses government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives. It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region including active travel opportunities.”
Funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish government’s MaaS Investment Fund, this latest project is part of wider aspirations to lowering carbon emissions, improving health, and growing digital and innovation within Scotland.
Minister for transport, Graeme Dey, added: “The Scottish government sees great potential in the future of Mobility as a Service and a real opportunity for Scotland to be at the forefront of developments.
“By creating new partnerships between the public and private sectors to focus on collaborative solutions to complex transport problems, I’m excited to see how Go-Hi transforms the travel experience for residents and visitors to the Highlands and Islands.”
