Toronto (July 20, 2023) — The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, today announced the release of Mobility as a Service – A feasibility study on implementing MaaS in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The study focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the MaaS concept and its desirability and feasibility in the GTA region
Private and public stakeholders agree that today’s transit service delivery models require a rethink to create a seamless transportation network that adjusts to new commuting patterns, addresses first and last mile gaps in transit, and considers the complexity of multiple transit networks, while working to reduce auto-dependency.
“Post-pandemic the need for flexible, regionally coordinated solutions couldn’t be more important as work and travel patterns continue to evolve” said Mary W Rowe, CEO of Canada’s Urban Institute. “We need to be looking at solutions being implemented in other places, and quickly apply what makes sense to address region-specific challenges.”
By examining the GTA’s existing infrastructure landscape and current economic, political, technological, and operational conditions, the report pinpoints challenges while identifying realistic opportunities for tangible benefits and value through a regional MaaS system that combines multiple transportation modes under a seamless navigation and payment app. This collaboration between CUI’s Applied Solutions Lab and AECOM Cities sector also marks the study of MaaS through an equity and diversity lens to develop and communicate innovations and solutions that lead to greater access to mobility and resilience in busy urban centres.
“In partnership with the Canadian Urban Institute, we’ve developed an end-to-end framework that considers input from diverse stakeholders on the feasibility MaaS in the GTA.” said Justin Trevan, vice president and cities growth strategy lead for AECOM’s Canada region. “By defining MaaS benefits and its associated implementation challenges, we are working to advance the conversation about its potential to improve equity and access to mobility in the GTA, while also creating an approach to MaaS that can be leveraged in other Canadian cities.”
Grounded in lessons learned on recent MaaS deployments around the world, and numerous conversations and focus groups, this joint AECOM/CUI study provides an insightful look at the role MaaS could play in the GTA. The report outlines an approach for MaaS acceptance and implementation that includes identifying key partners, developing agreed upon goals, and establishing a common framework that includes fare and policy integration, data sharing standards, cost-effectiveness, and a means of leveraging existing transportation systems towards a more integrated mobility service delivery.
To read the full report, please click here.
About the Canadian Urban Institute
CUI is the national platform that houses the best in Canadian city building – where policymakers, urban professionals, civic and business leaders, community activists and academics can learn, share, and collaborate with one another from coast to coast to coast. The Applied Solutions Lab is a CUI technical practice focused on helping the public and private sectors build capacity for informed and creative decisions that shape public policy and lead to sustainable community practices.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.1 billion in fiscal year 2022. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.