Transport for NSW will start trial of Mobility-as-a-Service app with subscription options
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) launched a one-year trial of the digital version of Opal card in Sydney, Australia, in December 2020. The digital Opal card trial ended on December 12, 2021. The trial enabled users to forego the physical card in favor of tapping on and off with compatible mobile phones or smart accessories.
The trial was a huge success, laying the groundwork for the next phase of digital payment – MaaS (Mobility As A Service). The trial of a digital Opal card provided valuable insight into the customer benefits and convenience of a digital Opal card, as well as customer payment preferences and use of our transportation network.
TfNSW is now planning to trial a MaaS application with a subscription option in Sydney in the first half of 2022. The app will allow 10,000 users to plan, book, and pay for various modes of transportation, including public and commercial options.
TfNSW intends to launch an integrated journey planner with a range of multi-modal subscription-style options. However, the specifics of the modes and trip combinations will be confirmed later.
TfNSW released its Future Transport Technology Roadmap 2021–2024. The authority is aiming to deliver six priority programs to transform the customer journey experience.
1. Mobility as Service (MaaS) will deliver seamless and personalised journeys across all modes
2. World-leading adopter of connected and automated vehicles
3. Rapid transition to ZEB and EV to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
4. Real-time information and digital ticketing for all public transport services
5. Automated and sustainable last-mile freight vehicles
6. Sensors and intelligent systems to create smart transport networks
As new technologies transform mobility, transit agencies must continue to innovate and update their services to maximize opportunities for all customers.
About The Author
Jaspal Singh is the Founder of Mobility Innovation Lab (MIL) and Host of the Mobility Innovators Podcast. If you are working on innovative ideas and solving mobility and transportation issues, please feel free to reach out. He loves to talk about startups, mobility, and technology.