Go-Hi mobility-as-a-service project launches in Scotland

A ground-breaking mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) project was launched yesterday in the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland.

The Go-Hi app will provide instant access to information on buses, trains, taxis, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries.

This allows users to plan their journeys and then to select, book and pay for all modes of transport all in one place using any iOS or Android mobile device.

Graeme Dey, Scottish Minister for Transport, said: “The Scottish Government sees great potential in the future of mobility as a service and a real opportunity for Scotland to be at the forefront of developments.

“That’s why in 2018, our Programme for Government committed to establish the MaaS Investment Fund.

“Much has changed since 2018, but as we think about the urgent need for a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the potential of MaaS solutions in Scottish transport is perhaps more important than ever before.

“MaaS applications can directly support our vision for a more sustainable transport system as outlined in our National Transport Strategy, in addition to the bold commitments we’ve made through our updated Climate Change Plan.”

The Go-Hi app is produced by Hitrans, the regional transport partnership, in association with the Mobilleo MaaS platform.

Project partners include Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Car Club, Bewegen, Brompton Bike Hire, Stagecoach Bus, West Coast Motors, Inverness Taxis, ScotRail, Loganair, Shotl, Skedgo, Orkney Ferries and Northlink Ferries.

Oz Choudhri, head of MaaS at Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to be the preferred supplier of car hire and car club services for this exciting and innovative project.

“Our car club vehicles and rental branches in the region will enable people to easily switch between different modes of transport.

“Enterprise is committed to making access to shared transport easier by working with other providers.

The Go-Hi project offers a blueprint for other regions and demonstrates how shared mobility can benefit rural as well as urban communities.”

The participating transport providers will be able to access data about the demand for their services, helping them to better understand the needs of people in the region and to make more informed decisions about the provision of services.

The post-project analysis will ultimately lead to a better shared transport service for businesses, residents and visitors to the Hitrans region.

Last month, a partnership between Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Imperial College London and Brompton Bike Hire has launched a mobility hub at Imperial’s South Kensington campus.

The hub will feature two Enterprise Car Club vehicles, one electric and the second hydrogen powered, plus 25 Brompton folding bikes, including five electric bikes.