Transport, transformed: Why access is the new ownership

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is reshaping how we move – offering flexibility, sustainability, and smarter urban living. For clients navigating infrastructure, automotive, or technology sectors, MaaS isn’t just a trend – it’s a strategic shift. From subscription models to data integration, the legal landscape must evolve to support new ways of thinking about transport, ownership and value.

The recent Transforming UK Transport The Power of Public and Private Partnerships report from the Urban Mobility Partnership, launched at Shoosmiths’ Birmingham office on the 12th September, underscores the transformative potential of MaaS when local authorities and private operators work in tandem. It can unlock investment, enhance public transport uptake, and drive the shift towards net zero.

One thing is clear: MaaS is more than just a buzzword – it’s a transformative shift in how we think about transport, infrastructure, and ownership. The opportunities it presents are both exciting and necessary.

One of the most compelling advantages is its potential to ease pressure on infrastructure. By reducing the need for individual car ownership, we can make transport systems more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Society is already embracing subscription models – think Netflix or Spotify – and the move away from traditional car ownership is following suit. Over two-thirds of car purchases now involve some form of finance, and the leap from lease hire to true subscription isn’t as vast as it once seemed. Manufacturers like Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover are already piloting subscription schemes.

As battery technology improves and rare minerals become scarcer, OEMs may be less able or less inclined to focus solely on new vehicle sales. While in the most part OEMs have not aggressively pursued MaaS to date, most have some version of it in development. The real disruption will come from new market entrants – perhaps the “Netflix of mobility” – who can offer flexible, cost-effective solutions.

Urbanisation is another driver. In cities like London, owning a car full-time is often unnecessary. A pay-as-you-go model makes more sense, especially when considering personal needs. If you have a young family small hatchback isn’t practical for family outings, but it’s perfect for solo commutes. Subscription models allow for this kind of flexibility – upgrading or downgrading as needed.

The challenges of MaaS

However, the road to fully integrated, multimodal transport is riddled with challenges. The idea of a single app that lets you book a car, train, taxi or Uber is appealing, but it requires massive integration across public and private sectors. OEMs are increasingly reluctant to share data, and cybersecurity concerns loom large. Even if UK bodies found a way to collaborate, the likelihood of OEMs creating UK-specific data-sharing systems is slim. 

As for the future of car ownership, it will decline. Younger generations value financial flexibility, and urban living supports that shift. But the pace of change depends heavily on battery technology. If costs drop, OEMs may resist MaaS by offering affordable electric vehicles. If shortages persist, MaaS could accelerate rapidly. Either way, the transition is inevitable – it’s just a matter of when.

The government’s pushback of the petrol vehicle ban to 2035 won’t change much. Manufacturers like BMW have already invested heavily in electric production and won’t reverse course. 

The shift to electric is happening, and MaaS will play a key role in shaping that future.