Government releases Mobility as a Service code of practice

30/08/2023 | DOMINIC BROWNE

The Government has released a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) code of practice for app developers, companies and authorities supporting integrated multi-modal journeys.

Described by officials as 'a voluntary, guidance-based approach', the code provides a list of recommendations to support MaaS app platforms such as Citymapper, which provide data on different journey options.

Ministers highlighted that such technology platforms can bring together planning and payment into one app, and it is 'hoped that this could lower the cost of journeys for travellers, by ensuring more choice and competition'.

The new code covers accessibility and inclusion, enabling active and sustainable travel, data considerations to facilitate MaaS, multimodal ticketing and competition.

It also offers specific technical and regulatory advice with reference to relevant legislation.

Among the key recommendations, the code of practice suggests that MaaS platforms consider accessibility needs when suggesting routes, such as providing wheelchair-friendly step-free directions.

The guidance also recommends that app providers consider the personal safety of users, such as allowing people to choose 'main roads only' options as well as providing the option to share their live location with a contact.

The Government recommends app users are given information about the potential carbon dioxide (CO2) impact of their journey choice using the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) emission conversion factors.

It also urges MaaS platforms to share anonymised passenger travel data to support transport operators’ planning and operations activities.

Technology and decarbonisation minister Jesse Norman said: 'With the new code of practice, the Department for Transport (DfT) is encouraging app providers to make the most of the new technology, helping to ensure potentially vulnerable groups and communities are not left behind.'

In 2020, the Department for Transport awarded funding to Solent Transport as part of its Future Transport Zones programme to develop a MaaS app for the region.

The new app, Breeze, allows passengers to plan, book and pay for journeys across public transport, cycles, e-scooters and ferries. It also provides information about how busy services are and suggests the greenest way to travel.

Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said: 'As the £90m Future Transport Zones and the Scottish MaaS Investment Fund show, the implementation of MaaS is already having real benefits across the UK, but there is far more that could be done in rolling out further applications.

'Alongside this Code of Practice, we urge the Government to continue its support for MaaS schemes, particularly through the continued backing of the Future Transport Zones post-2024/25, and explore other regions across the UK where MaaS could be rolled out.

'With Government’s assistance, the UK can support a more integrated, end-to-end transport system, speed up the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the transport network and deliver economic growth, investment and jobs in a growing intelligent transport sector.'

Maas is defined as ‘the integration of various modes of transport along with information and payment functions into a single mobility service'.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Civil Engineer - Major Projects x 4

£45,894.00 - £54,952.00
We are looking for experienced engineers to help us progress a number of key projects and programmes Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Technician - Maintenance

£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Contract Engineer

£46,731 - £49,764
The team helps provide a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively.  Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner

£46,731 - £49,764 (pro-rata)
We are looking for an experienced professional to join us on a six-month temporary contact as a Principal Transport Planner. Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Highways Maintenance Operative Broughton, Brigg
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
The team includes approximately 60 directly employed HCC people Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Quality Technician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Quality Technician Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)

£42679.0000 - £50211.0000 per annum
Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)Permanent, Full Time£43,960 to £51,718 per annum*Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major Projects)

£44,711 - £47,754
Are you an experienced project professional or engineer with looking to take the next step in your career? Halifax, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Roads

£45,894 - £54,952
Are you an experienced engineer looking to support the Scottish Government’s national objectives. Scotland
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Project Team Manager

£55,147 to £60,676 per annum
We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for a role as Design Team Manager Norwich, Norfolk
Recruiter: Norfolk County Council

Clerk of Works

GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Assistant Projects Engineer

GRADE 06 (£29,093 - £32,654),GRADE 07 (£33,366 - £37,035), GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Traffic Management

£45,718 - £48,710 per annum
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath, Somerset
Recruiter: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Vehicle Technician - Improver

£28,624 - £30,060
Transport Services is responsible for all aspects of transport and related services Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Programme Delivery Office Administrator

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Support Officer - Highways Asset Management Systems

£31,586 - £34,314
We are a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to maintaining and improving our highway infrastructure. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Electrical Engineer

Grade 9 £34,314 to £37,938 - Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 - Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 - Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 p.a.
The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to d Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW