| Summary |
MaaS has been popular in the world for using information to integrate multiple transportation tools and create new services.The Institute of Transportation, MOTC implemented MaaS in 2018, launching MeN Go in Kaohsiung City as a pilot city. Modes of transport integrated into the system include: MRT, LRT, bus, shared-bike, ferry, scooter sharing, taxi and highway passenger transport. In 2020, in addition to expanding the taxi fleets, the agency launched taxi ridesharing as a trial service to improve the first and last mile connection between several destinations in Kaohsiung.
This research piloted the "Taxi Reservation and Ride-Sharing Service (MeN Go Pool)", using MeN Go taxi sharing points and the existing payment system as the main payment methods. The new service aims to increase the matching probability of shared rides. The pilot sites in 2021 were selected by inviting the Kaohsiung Girls' Senior High School and Kaohsiung Vocational High School of Commerce. Students of these 2 schools are to conduct technology application
validation and service verification to facilitate the development of multi-purpose public transportation seamless mobility technology and provide seamless and convenient integrated transportation solutions for MaaS target groups.
This study provides 13 service routes; through demand interviews, system service process adjustments, intensive marketing, and media promotion, the maximum number of rides reached 80 passengers/week, and the overall user satisfaction reached 4.7/5. The service process feedback was positive and taxi drivers reported that they look forward to the income potential and flexibility in scheduling. Analyzing the benefits of booking ride-sharing services; in terms of passengers, it saves time and costs for commuting, promotes carpooling into a small-scale public transport, and
provides a reliable and safe service. On the other hand, ride-sharing reduces vehicle usage, improves the efficiency of transport services, and reduces energy consumption and air pollution. Also, in terms of the taxi market, the service increases revenue per ride for taxi drivers and increases demand for services.
Suggestions for follow-up development include: Prioritize the integration of cash flow payment between MeN Go Pool and MeN Go App, or integrate it into MeN Go App to improve user experience; review the pricing mechanism to create a sustainable business model; transplant the data analysis database into Kaohsiung Smart Transportation Center to facilitate long-term maintenance; and use of AI to identify user characteristics, behaviors, and induce demands |
