The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) has announced that it has selected Fleetondemand’s mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform, Mobilleo, to pilot its rural mobility project in Scotland.
This first-of-its-kind project for Scotland, is expected to be officially launched in March 2021 and is set to operate in Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Orkney, Highland, Moray and most of the Argyll and Bute area.
The project enables the Mobilleo platform to engage with a new range of transport partners, including the ones that exist on the underlying platform today. Some of the project partners include: Enterprise Car Club and Car Hire, Bewegen, Skedgo, Stagecoach Bus, Inverness Taxis, Loganair and West Coast Motors.
The platform was previously designed to provide MaaS schemes. The new app will essentially customize the supply chain which provides Highland residents and visitors with easier and quicker access to several modes of transport- be it via taxi, train, bus, car hire, air travel or ferries.
The EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund are both funding the project.
“This pioneering project is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors. It also addresses government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from Sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives,” said Ranald Robertson, director at Hitrans.
“It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving sustainable travel choices people can make in the region, including active travel opportunities.”