Solent Transport has appointed mobility start-up Trafi, transport management solutions firm Unicard and Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) to deliver the UK’s first multi-city Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solution.
The consortium said it has already started work on developing the app which aims to make travel easier in the Solent region, which includes Portsmouth, Southampton, South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The first version of the MaaS solution, which is expected to launch before the end of the year, will be designed to make transport more accessible, more efficient and more customer focused.
According to the project, MaaS provides journey planning and payment across every mode of transport in a convenient and compelling way. By integrating the various modes of transport in the region into the app, as well as the systems behind them, Solent Transport hopes to maximise the positive impact of more sustainable travel choices on outcomes such as car dependency, access to employment opportunities and emissions.
Cllr Lynne Stagg, the acting chair of the joint committee, Solent Transport, said: “With the innovative development of a MaaS product, Solent Transport and its partner authorities are pioneering technology that will improve the Solent region as a place to live, work and visit.
“Convenient and comprehensive, the MaaS mobile app will not only be a useful tool for people on the move, but will also give us important insights for improving existing services and offering new ones to make travel easier, smarter and greener.”
The app, powered by Trafi, will consist of a journey planner, smart ticketing, payment system and will experiment with incentives to encourage travellers to use more sustainable modes.
It will also include a carbon footprint calculation to help people make choices that benefit their environment. Rail, Ferry and Bus connections, as well as bikes, e-scooters and car rental services will all be available from the MaaS app.
The Solent Go smart travel system, provided by Unicard, will ensure that the new scheme integrates with existing travel and ticketing options and regional transport operators. The Unicard smart card ticketing will help to promote Solent Transport’s goal of providing viable options for users without smartphones.
Sean Dickinson, CEO of Unicard, added: “Unicard is a long-term partner of Solent Transport going back to 2003 and we are extremely proud to be playing an integral role in this ground-breaking transport initiative.
“Solent will act as the blueprint for other regions looking to roll out their own mobility services. Through our partnership we are able to deliver a sustainable, inclusive, accessible and integrated transport solution where Unicard will bring key capabilities that suits the needs and aspirations of communities, businesses and visitors in the Solent region.”
