How smart technologies can shape and develop transfer points

Transportation is a major source of CO2 emissions, especially in the case of privately owned cars. Therefore improving the transportation system is a key component in the shift towards more environmentally friendly society. Accessible and comfortable transportation is also important for social inclusion especially for people with reduced mobility.

Efficient transport systems have a positive impact on the quality of life of the city’s inhabitants meaning quicker travels, more options, flexible schedules and less waiting time, leaving more free time for people to engage in activities that they value.

Transfer points are an important aspect of the transportation network as they provide connection between different means of transportation, making the system more efficient. However the networks that they connect are changing, Mobility as a service (MaaS) has democratized transportation networks by providing more options as well as facilitating the access to information (webpags, apps, GPS). The aim of this research is to answer the question: How can MaaS improve and shape these Transfer points?

One negative aspect of transfer points is that they add discomfort for the users diminishing the attractiveness of collective transportation. MaaS incorporates different modes of transportation such as car-sharing, Uber and rental e-bikes, made accessible through smartphone apps. Smart urban accessibility would integrate MaaS in the current transport system allowing private people to be part of the system sharing services or resources such as cars at any given time, easing the shift away from the necessity of private car ownership.

Today we see that these services are spread out over different apps making their use inefficient. Centralized systems can facilitate information access and lower the prices.

The design of the transfer point and its surroundings is important because it influences user’s willingness to make the transfer. These places should be designed according to the character of each place and develop an active community life surrounding the transfer points so people can feel safe and enjoy their transfer.