The highlight of the MaaS Scotland calendar, the MaaS Scotland Annual Conference and Dinner, returned to Glasgow on 11 June, bringing together more than 100 senior representatives from across Scotland’s mobility community.

The event welcomed delegates from local authorities, transport authorities, operators, technology providers and consultancies, creating a valuable forum for collaboration and discussion on the future of integrated mobility.

Building on the foundations set out in the MaaS Roadmap for Scotland, published last year, this year’s conference programme explored several of the key issues that will shape our ability to deliver simple, seamless and user-focused mobility services in the years ahead. Panel discussions focused on:

  • The role of smart ticketing in improving customer experience
  • The importance of effective public-private collaboration
  • The opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies

Delegates also heard from an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers, including:

  • Bettina Sizeland, Director of Transport Integration and Connectivity, Transport Scotland
  • Robyn Brass, Head of Data Transformation, UK Department for Transport
  • Dr Andrew Seedhouse, Associate Professor of Transport Geography at the University of Plymouth and Chair of the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board

Bettina Sizeland, Director of Transport Integration and Connectivity, Transport Scotland

Robyn Brass, Head of Data Transformation, UK Department for Transport

Dr Andrew Seedhouse, Associate Professor of Transport Geography at the University of Plymouth and Chair of the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board

In the afternoon, the conference moved into a workshop format, with attendees participating in parallel sessions focused on two priority workstreams for the recently established MaaS Working Group, chaired by Transport Scotland:

  • Developing a Scottish MaaS Code of Practice
  • Creating a National MaaS Evaluation Framework

The day concluded with an evening reception and dinner, providing delegates with an opportunity to continue conversations, strengthen professional networks and reflect on the insights and ideas shared throughout the event.

One theme emerged consistently across the day’s discussions: while the term MaaS may no longer be as fashionable as it once was, the principles underpinning it remain highly relevant.

Across transport conferences, policy initiatives and industry programmes, there is a growing focus on integrated ticketing, data standardisation, digital journey planning, mobility platforms and service integration. In many respects, MaaS continues to evolve and influence the sector, even when it is described using different terminology.

The outcomes MaaS seeks to deliver—simpler ticketing and payment, improved digital access, seamless multimodal journeys, greater travel choice and increased awareness of sustainable transport options—remain central to addressing the challenges facing the transport sector today. These outcomes are also critical to encouraging the behavioural change and modal shift needed to achieve wider economic, environmental and social objectives.

The need for MaaS has not diminished. Over the coming year, Technology Scotland looks forward to supporting continued progress in this area through its MaaS Scotland Special Interest Group series, the MaaS Working Group and a range of collaborative industry activities.