Exploring Adaptation of Transportation Policy to Revolution Challenges: Evolution of Transportation Services and the Concept of Next-generation Solutions

Abstract

This paper explores how transportation policy can respond to the transportation revolution driven by the diversification of business models through technological innovations, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as the transformation of transportation equipment into information terminals. First, the evolution of transportation services and the concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) are organized to clarify the meaning of next-generation transportation services. Using a historical approach to transportation research and empirical knowledge of transportation coordination theory during the previous transportation revolution (marked by the emergence of automobiles and airplanes), this study examines the policy implications of MaaS through the concept of “interpretation circulation.” Finally, it summarizes the current status and challenges in implementing the Japanese version of MaaS and suggests future directions.