Leveraging Stakeholder Meeting and Stated Preferences to Design Optimal Mobility-as-a-Service Subscription Bundles

Abstract

MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) emerges as an innovative solution to urban transport challenges, offering a unified, user-focused platform that combines various modes of transport. Implementing TDM (Travel Demand Management) strategies and well-structured pricing models can counteract excessive reliance on ride-hailing services and ensure equitable pricing for different users. A comprehensive survey is essential to understand public preferences for MaaS, incorporating stakeholder input, social inclusiveness, and the influence of Arabian and Islamic culture. A stakeholders' meeting was held to emphasize a participatory approach to MaaS's success. Post-meeting, a questionnaire was distributed to capture stakeholders' feedback for MaaS in Qatar. The study highlights the influence of Qatar's unique socio-cultural context on transport preference, emphasizing the need for a custom-made MaaS solution. A Stated Preference (SP) survey was designed, drawing insights from stakeholder discussions. Employing discrete modeling techniques, including preset subscription-based and menu-based SP scenarios, the survey examines participants' preferences regarding MaaS, offering insights into how varying costs, ride options, pre-set bundle, and MaaS menu preferences shape subscription choices. With the aforementioned approach, this study contributes to the existing literature and provides valuable insights and novelty to facilitate the design of an SP survey questionnaire based on the stakeholders' viewpoints and concerns, ultimately supporting the successful implementation of MaaS in Qatar.