On the development of Mobility-as-a-Service systems and sightseeing applications

This paper introduces the basic concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and discusses issues related to its development, and potential use in the tourism industry in Japan. The principal objective ofMaaS systems, pioneered in Finland, is to reduce the dependence on automobiles and seamlessly link means of public transportation through micro-mobility and vehicle sharing so that, with a single smartphone, virtually all within-city transportation can be accessed. It is noted that MaaS is attracting attention in Japan as a viable solution to the new challenges posed by new lifestyles that reflect the new normal ensuing from the new coronavirus crisis. Together with the digitalization of transportation systems, increased convenience of mobility, and effective utilization of existing public transportation means, MaaS creates also new opportunities for the future development of domestic travel, revitalization of local communities, and realization of super cities and smart cities.