In search of the MaaS transit super-app
About this episode
The MaaS Alliance defines Mobility as a Service ('MaaS') as “the integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility service, accessible on demand.”
Put simply: Imagine an app for unlimited access to all forms of transport that a city has to offer, from public transportation such as bus, train, and tram services, to ride-hailing, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
In a world of MaaS, instead of paying separately for your transit tickets, your ride hailing services, and your e-bike or e-scooter rentals, you’re paying to be able to move on-demand. Basically, you’re paying for mobility as a service. You’re paying for MaaS.
This so-called super-app provides all the route guidance, journey planning, payment, and ticketing that you need, and more—and it can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis, or on subscription, like a Netflix for mobility.
About the guests
Sampo Hietanen is the Founder and Chief Executive of Helsinki-based MaaS Global, the company that operates the Whim app, currently available in Finland, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, and Japan. In 2015, with a background in executive and board positions in civil engineering and intelligent transportation systems, Sampo established MaaS Global, the world’s first MaaS provider.
Find Sampo on LinkedIn
In 2018, Pedro Somma founded Quicko, Brazil’s first MaaS service, after a diverse career that includes time in public affairs, politics, business, and transportation.
Connect with Pedro on LinkedIn
Tu Le is Managing Director of Sino Auto Insights, an innovation and management consulting firm based in Beijing. Before moving to Beijng, Tu worked in the high-tech and automotive sectors in Detroit and Silicon Valley. Tu co-hosts the China EVs & More podcast, and publishes the weekly SAI Newsletter.
Tu’s LinkedIn page
