Governance as Success Factor for Implementing MaaS in Countries with High Share of Expatriates: Qatar's Case Study

Abstract

Mobility as a Service, also known as (MaaS) represents a shift from traditional ownership-based modes of transportation towards access-based services. The success of MaaS, similar to any other service, depends on being user-centric. Still, due involvement of many stakeholders with different objectives necessitates establishing efficient governance to achieve the ultimate strategic goals for a sustainable transportation system. This study aims to shed light on stakeholders’ views on the success factors for implementing MaaS and how governance affects the development of MaaS in countries with a high share of expatriates, where Qatar was chosen as a case study.A model of the MaaS ecosystem for Qatar was established considering the core business among the data providers, transport operators, and users (MaaS customers). The extended enterprise and the business ecosystem were also identified to establish MaaS in Qatar as a case study. A workshop with different transportation stakeholders was held to brainstorm and discuss MaaS governance for the possible implementation of a MaaS system in Qatar, followed by a post-meeting questionnaire to evaluate MaaS stakeholder perception about their role in MaaS implementation and development. Although most stakeholders in the workshop thought MaaS could enhance the environment, sustainability, accessibility, efficiency, safety, and financial stability; many did not view data sharing positively. Improvement of physical infrastructure was considered an essential requirement for the success of MaaS. Subsequently, 50% of attendees agreed that Qatar's transport regulator(s) must run the MaaS system for at least the first period.