Cities will see mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) revenues leap 900% by 2027, according to market watcher Juniper Research.

A study found that subscribers will generate $53bn in revenue for MaaS platform providers by 2027, rising from $5.3bn in 2021. MaaS is the provision of multimodal end-to-end travel services through single platforms, by which users can determine an optimal route and price and use various modes of transport including buses and e-scooters.

The research identified a monthly subscription model as key to increasing adoption of MaaS among consumers. However, it cautioned that, until users trust the proposition of a subscription-based transport service, MaaS platforms must ensure pricing models are flexible, for instance, by offering pay-as-you-go journeys and short-term subscriptions.

The report recommends that platform providers leverage account-based ticketing to provide flexible pricing models. Account-based ticketing allows travellers to be billed on account, with smartphone apps, travelcards and wearables used to prove travel eligibility.

However, the research warned that account-based ticketing will require significant digitalisation of transportation networks, which is already widespread in Europe and Asia Pacific. It accordingly predicts that over 85% of MaaS subscriber revenue will be attributable to these regions by 2027.

Research author Adam Wears said: “Account-based ticketing is an essential prerequisite for MaaS, given that it enables multimodal interoperability and supports the accurate apportionment of revenue between transport operators, both of which are key to driving mobility partnerships and buy-in from local authorities.”

The report also discussed how business travellers globally will use MaaS platforms to complete 25.7 million business trips annually by 2027, as companies look to reduce spend associated with corporate travel, such as fleet maintenance.

However, it highlights that for the financial benefits of these programmes to be appreciable, businesses must have a high level of travel spend and a large number of employees. It therefore recommends that when targeting this segment, MaaS platforms emphasise the societal benefits of their offerings to attract corporations looking to reinforce their environmental credentials.