January 7, 2022
Constant changes in legislation and technological breakthroughs are leading us down a path where the future of mobility is efficient and, above all, sustainable. The latest trends in mobility warn us of the transformation that will take place in the transport sector and give us clues of what the main changes will be in 2022.
In sectors as important as mobility, both nationally and internationally, it is key for many companies to research and take into account the trends for the coming years. Anticipating and being ready for future changes will be essential for the growth of the companies.
At Meep we are aware and we are part of these changes. If you want to know what mobility trends are waiting for us in the coming year, don't hesitate to check this article.
Trends in mobility
The creation of sustainable cities is an objective that we should all try to achieve, providing ecological solutions and reducing polluting emissions. This will help to improve our quality of life, reduce costs and improve public health.
Some of the trends foresee increasing restrictions on polluting cars and the increase of other options for urban mobility, such as the electric scooter or the bus network.
1. Mobility of the future
Platforms such as Meep, assist with meeting the changing needs of cities. Thanks to the investment in technological development, the Meep platform was created, an application where you can use and combine all available means of transport. All route options are provided with a trip planner, facilitating payment and booking through the app. The search for sustainability and digitalisation are redefining the mobility of the future towards a sustainable and efficient ecosystem. Also, the increasing autonomy of vehicles and how they could optimize city driving is being investigated.
2. Legislation
The actions of many governments and international organisations are playing a key role in reducing the use of polluting transportation in large metropolitan areas and gradually reducing traffic. The aim is to have an impact on people's quality of life and the environment.
Some of the legislation faces the challenge of restricting the circulation of polluting vehicles and encouraging the use of sustainable mobility modes as substitutes.
3. Sustainability
In order to make a definitive transition to urban mobility, the circular economy should be taken into account in decision-making in this sector. In order to do so, it is necessary for each person to be aware of the impact that transport has on the environment in which we live and how to promote sustainable mobility in each particular situation.
4. Air quality
In large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, air quality has become an issue. The mobility plans of many city councils are aware of this, and it has become one of their priorities due to the negative impact it has on their citizens.
The use of public transport or scooters is a great help to reduce the emission of polluting gasses and improve air quality in large urban centres.
5. Use of applications
Nowadays, we all have mobile devices that we use on a daily basis to make our lives and even our work easier.
The use of mobile applications has also reached the world of mobility, focusing on super apps under the concept of Mobility as a Service, where all modes of transport are grouped together. This way, the user has the opportunity to plan, book and pay for any journey from their mobile device, promoting efficient, sustainable and connected multimodal transport.
An example of Mobility as a Service implementation in cities is the Meep app, which integrates different modes of transport in one platform, planning the best possible route and allowing the payment of various public and private transport services. This super app establishes itself as a multimodal mobility experience that improves people's quality of life in cities.
In addition, Meep continues improving and has taken a step forward in the integration of valuable services for its customers, giving the possibility to access information or buying tickets for tourist sites in Barcelona, this concept is known as LaaS (Life as a Service) providing the user a complete experience while traveling.
6. Shared mobility
There are many applications that allow users to travel in a sustainable way using shared mobility. The driver sets the route conditions, such as pick-up and drop-off points, and the price of the trip. It is often an affordable and enjoyable way to meet new people. It is also worth mentioning the shared use of public transport in cities, which allows people to move around the city centre, saving money and time while offering a sustainable and healthy way to mobilize.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the renting of kick-scooters, electric scooters or bicycles, which opens up new possibilities for sustainable urban transport in cities with good bike lanes or road infrastructures.
7. Mobility plans
Public administrations have left behind old mobility projects to adapt to new trends in the sector, committing to sustainability. Institutions face the challenge of making more global plans to help reduce the emission of polluting gasses from the transport sector.
8. Sustainable cities
Large cities will have to adapt to the new mobility paradigm, where many possibilities of moving around keep appearing in order to meet the needs of each individual. The creation of cycle lanes or bus lanes is part of the evolution of cities towards more efficient transport. It is essential to take into account the effects, positive or negative, of each form of transport and how to regulate and adapt it towards sustainability.
9. Connected cars
Over the years, there has been an increase in services that help us optimize circulation, such as reducing time on the road or making driving easier. In addition, the entertainment aspect for drivers has begun to gain importance.
However, the most relevant trend has been the increase in connectivity and the emergence of the term "connected car". This concept refers to a car that can be connected to a mobile phone, expanding the range of possibilities, such as remote control or locating available parking spaces. These developments enhance the experience and will allow drivers to easily connect to the Meep app.
10. Electric cars
Awareness of climate change and pollution has had an impact on the automotive sector. Car manufacturers have started to produce products that minimize the impact on the environment. As a result, the number of cars with electric motors is increasing every year and is a growing trend.
The use of electric cars has established itself as an option for urban mobility committed to sustainable mobility.
If you want to try or learn more about some of the trends mentioned for 2022, try our Meep application to get around the city quickly and safely. We currently are operating in cities such as Malta, Barcelona, and Lisbon with international expansion plans for our MaaS solutions. Contact us if you have any questions about how to use it.
At Meep we are working towards a future where mobility is efficient and sustainable for everyone, help us build it! Become a Meeper!
*Main image: By Daniel Agudelo | Unsplash