By Juliano Oliveira
A new smartphone app with payment features for multi-modal trips such as public transport, taxis, ride-share, e-scooters and e-bikes will enter a 12-month trial phase in Queensland.
University of Queensland students and staff will test the ability to plan, book, and pay for rides on the ODIN PASS app, in which subscribers can select monthly transport plans and bundles with discounts and reward points.
Students will earn extra reward points to trade-in at the UQ campus by selecting the most environmentally friendly route to a destination. Applications are accepted via the odinpass.com.au website.
Transport service providers, including Neuron, 13CABS and GoGet, will be part of the trial, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has informed.
“The app gives people the option to personally tailor their trips by combining multiple transport options, including focusing on that last mile connection,” Mr Bailey said.
“For example, some people may get off a bus and need to walk some distance to get to their desired destination, so this app will assist trial participants in planning out a seamless transition using different transport modes to help them get to their destination faster.”
Mr Bailey said that the experience is one of the most extensive real-world Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) trials undertaken in Australia regarding the number of service providers and can shape the industry’s future.
“Being able to plan and test different mobility solutions through a single app is a real game-changer, and we’ve also integrated traffic data into the app to provide information on things like road disruptions and suggested alternative routes.”
UQ Chief Operating Officer Andrew Flannery said this was another example of UQ partnering with government, business and community.
“The MaaS trial is innovative and will investigate real options that make passenger and active transport more appealing,” Mr Flannery said.
“By providing easy access and a seamless transition between multiple transport options, we’re hoping this trial will lead to more public transport use, taking more cars off the road.”