Subsector: Trip Reduction Programs (Regional)
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Software – Route Planning
VMT Reduction Potential: 2
Cost: 2
ROI: 2
TAM Relevancy: 3
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional, Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Employers, Software companies such as Love to Ride, Ride Amigos, and others, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, Transit Agencies
Eligibility Status: Connect SoCal 2024 TDM Toolbox of Strategies
Eligibility Status: Feasible

Description

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) integrates various transportation services into a single platform, allowing users to plan, book, and pay for multimodal trips seamlessly.

Users can access multimodal route planning software that integrates transit, biking, walking, rideshare, carpool, scooter, and other mobility options into a single platform. Route planning through the software allows users to compare costs and travel times, which can reduce the complexity barrier to use non-SOV options.

Implementation Details

  • Work with the MTC and large employers in the region to investigate expansion of a single Mobility as a Service (MaaS) system that does more to target Marin County.
  • Ensure the platform integrates local GTFS and GTFS real time data for accurate transit routing and arrival predictions
  • Track VMT reductions.
  • Prioritize installation of transit kiosks with contactless payment features at high-ridership transfer points.
  • Use ridership and payment data to evaluate equity access and expand service areas with demonstrated demand.

Mitigation Potential

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) provides users with increased convenience making alternative modes of transportation more attractive and increasing usage of these modes. While there are no specific quantification methods for this strategy, implementing agencies often conduct surveys to estimate the realized benefits and VMT reduction.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Design Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms with multilingual interfaces and non-smartphone access (e.g., call-in or kiosk-based options) for digitally underserved populations. Ensure first/last-mile options connect to transit in remote areas. The software should reflect all affordable mobility options, not just premium services, and should highlight cost comparisons that help lower-income users identify the most affordable trip.

Funding Sources

Funding for startup depends on the type and breadth of technology deployed, but maintenance is typically minimal compared to startup and consists of subscription fees and staff time. Funding sources include the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (California Transportation Commission), the Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (U.S. Department of Transportation & Federal Highway Administration), and the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) & Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Programs (Metropolitan Transportation Commission).

Implemented in TAM Area

Current TDM Implementation

Marin does not currently have a comprehensive MaaS platform. In 2023, TAM concluded a pilot of their integrated, on-demand Connect2Transit program, which provided on-demand first/last mile access trips to transit with in-app tracking and payment systems.

TDM Benefit Locations

Various resources and programs exist in Marin that could feed into a future MaaS platform, including the Connect2Transit pilot program, MASCOTS coordinated transit planning efforts, 511 data, and Clipper 2.0.