In her insightful opinion piece, EPF’s Senior Researcher, Delphine Grandsart, delves into the passengers’ perspective on the critical role of Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) in revolutionising the way we plan and execute our journeys. The opinion piece reflects on the discussions of the 11th Florence Intermodal Forum.

The article, originally featured in the European Transport Regulation Observer “Aviation and Multimodal Digital Mobility Services in the EU” (July, 2023), highlights the need for comprehensive and reliable travel options for passengers to enable informed decision-making.

Some of the key points that she highlights are that:

  • Passengers require a neutral and comprehensive overview of travel options to make informed choices, emphasising the importance of easy and affordable access to multimodal tickets with protection in case of disruptions;
  • MDMS can play a vital role in simplifying the planning, booking, and payment processes for multimodal trips, allowing passengers to seamlessly navigate an integrated transport system for sustainable and reliable journeys;
  • The Multimodal Passenger Mobility Forum (MPMF) has addressed the importance of data access conditions and license agreements, fostering collaboration between operators and MDMS under fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms;
  • EPF advocates for data sharing and distribution agreements to be the norm for all modes of transport, emphasising the need for guidelines specific to different sectors to define what qualifies as “fair and reasonable”;
  • The ranking of travel options should be objective and based on criteria that passengers can choose, incorporating factors beyond price and travel time, such as accessibility and environmental impact;
  • Integrated multimodal information and ticketing serve as a fundamental first step, and should be accompanied by robust passenger protection measures when using various transport modes, ensuring a safe and convenient travel experience;
  • The roles and responsibilities of intermediaries require clarification, covering real-time information provision, passenger rerouting, compensation handling, and assistance during disruptions.

Delphine reiterates that while MDMS may not be the ultimate solution to all problems, it is undoubtedly a crucial piece of the puzzle in transforming both short and long-distance travel. Informed consumers are vital for a competitive market, and EPF advocates for collaboration and integration among stakeholders to achieve greater social, economic, and ecological benefits.

Read the full article here: https://fsr.eui.eu/aviation-and-mdms-the-passengers-perspective/