With all the (predicted) technological developments ahead, MaaS (Mobility as a Service) is widely expected to play a major role in the future of mobility. The flexibility MaaS offers in meeting travel needs could well trigger a shift in mobility behaviour. This would bring positive effects for accessibility, liveability and wider social outcomes.
Commissioned by De Verkeersonderneming, Decisio together with the Mobiliteitsfabriek examined the implications of MaaS in terms of the business case (financial effects) and the value case (societal effects).The study focused on the southern wing of the Randstad, while also considering the Netherlands as a whole.
Multiple scenarios possible
A first observation is that the pace at which MaaS will develop is difficult to predict and depends on many factors. These include both the supply of MaaS services and the conditions required for such services to emerge. For this reason, we developed three different scenarios, and for each scenario we assessed both the business case and the value case.
Business case
The business case involves substantial sums. In the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan region, the market for shared cars and taxi‑like concepts could amount to roughly €500 million per year. Households that use their car infrequently could benefit significantly, as could households with a second car that is rarely used.
Beyond the potential financial gains, many travellers could experience a step change in comfort and travel time. However, the expected market structure for MaaS providers warrants attention: concentration among a small number of players is likely. It is therefore important to avoid an oligopoly in which travellers ultimately face high margins.
Value case
The value case is driven primarily by a reduced need for parking spaces, especially in urban areas. The potential space savings are significant and represent the largest share of all societal benefits, amounting to more than €100 million.
The societal value of improved accessibility, road safety and reduced emissions runs into the tens of millions of euros per year. There is also a social benefit: lower‑income households gain easier access to occasional car use.
The study further concludes that the Netherlands is an excellent testing ground for MaaS projects. It is in the interest of cities, and the mobility sector as a whole, to stimulate MaaS. Ideally with Dutch companies, or otherwise by encouraging international frontrunners to establish themselves here.
The report
The report was recently used in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management’s MaaS market consultation, which you can view here.
