The concept of MaaS (Mobility as a Service) or any other connected mobility solution has emerged as a promise to transform the way we travel, providing more integrated and convenient options for citizens.

However, what is necessary for its implementation? In this article, we show you one of the keys to putting innovative mobility initiatives into practice, along with some examples of collaborations that Meep has worked on.

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The key to embarking on innovative mobility initiatives

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One of the main challenges for MaaS, or any connected mobility solution, to operate effectively in a city is public-private collaboration.

Despite the differences in strategies and business models among stakeholders, seeking synergies and points of collaboration can pave the way towards a future of smarter, more efficient, and sustainable mobility.

By joining forces, the public and private sectors can overcome challenges and offer integrated solutions that improve citizens' quality of life and propel us towards a future of connected mobility.

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Public-private collaborations as a way to create value

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Currently, mobility is in a constant process of innovation, driven by both private companies and public organizations. However, the asynchrony of paces can lead to delays in the realization of certain advancements.

It is precisely this reality that has led to the emergence of a growing number of public-private collaboration projects, with the goal of implementing disruptive solutions.

Among them, the cooperation between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Ormazabal, a leading Basque company in technological solutions for the electricity distribution sector. This funding has been an important step in promoting innovation and sustainability in the electricity distribution sector, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable energy transition in Europe.

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We are convinced that the year 2023 will mark a milestone in these types of collaborations which, under proper supervision and resource allocation, will bring tremendous benefits to society.

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Examples of public and private collaboration in mobility

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Testing public-private collaborations is key to launching disruptive mobility solutions that have a positive impact on citizens. Here are some demonstrations of it:

Seville: Meep Sevilla by Globalvia.

To tackle the new challenge of mobility in the city of Seville, a new integrated Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solution was launched in October 2020, born from the public-private collaboration of three entities: Globalvia, the Metro de Sevilla, and Meep.

The integration of interurban transportation and the Sevilla Metro, led respectively by the Sevilla Transport Consortium and Globalvia, combined with the involvement of the Seville City Council, ensured much of the success of this project. This laid the foundation for a collaborative framework for the future among the public and private stakeholders in the mobility sector.

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The MaaS solution was introduced in the form of a mobile application called "Meep Sevilla By Globalvia." Its goal was clear: to integrate and unify all modes of transportation in the city within a single app, with the aim of creating a flexible, personalized, and integrated transportation ecosystem. Simultaneously, the objective was to promote the development of a cleaner, less congested, and more sustainable environment in the city of Seville.

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Zaragoza: ZUM, Spain's First MaaS Solution.

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Zaragoza Urban Mobility (ZUM) was a pilot project of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in the form of a mobile application that integrated the main urban transportation methods in Zaragoza.

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This platform, developed using Meep's technology, was launched in March 2021 by Avanza, one of Spain's leading operators in the road passenger transport sector. It was driven by the Zaragoza City Council, serving as an example of public-private collaboration to enhance the city's mobility ecosystem. This initiative promotes sustainable modes of transportation while leveraging the existing infrastructure.

Municipalities need to try out solutions, they need to be brave and innovative, and foster public-private collaborations. Creating controlled testing environments in which certain technology-based companies can test their solutions will facilitate adoption and create new forms of collaboration.

_{Guillermo Campoamor, CEO and founder of Meep.}

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This kind of collaboration, if properly monitored and adequately resourced, can generate significant benefits for society.

Experts and analysts agree that 2023 will be an exciting year for connected mobility and other sector trends. Amid an economic cycle shift, we will witness movements that will shape the course of the coming decades toward the desired goal of connected, sustainable, accessible, and more livable cities.

The projects in which Meep has already worked alongside public organizations demonstrate the potential of these partnerships. For this reason, its goal is to continue providing digital mobility solutions in more cities that are willing to foster mobility innovation initiatives.