As passenger flows are getting more complex and financial resources are becoming more scarce in many cities, Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) and operators are facing a dilemma: to do more with less. As a result, optimizing mobility services is now top of most transport players’ agendas.
For cities moving from zone-based payments to distance-based ones, e-purses allow them to readily switch models.
Optimizing costs may not always be enough to release the cash flow necessary for investing in key areas to maximize demand and mobility. Authorities and operators may have to explore new business models and reinvent their roles dramatically.One example of diversification: Shanghai Metro introduced virtual supermarkets in 70 stations in August 2011. Large LED screens advertise everything. Goods are then scanned by shoppers and delivered within 48 hours.Operators and authorities need to determine how to build a new business model capitalizing on these strengths.