Highlands and Islands GO-HI app shows how MaaS can benefit rural communities

Relevant RTS critical priority(ies):
Easy to use for all; Data driven

The Highlands and Islands led the way in Scotland with the launch of an app that makes it easier for residents, tourists and business travellers to access the information they need to make greater use of public transport or alternative options such as car sharing or cycling. HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, developed GO-HI in partnership with Fleetondemand, which allows users to plan their journeys and find, book and pay for all modes of transport in one place using any iPhone or Android mobile device.

GO-HI is powered by Fleetondemand’s Mobilleo Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform and funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund. The project provides a one stop shop for all travel needs, combining a journey planner with real-time travel information, tickets and payment options, and allowing integration of bus, rail, flight, bike, car club, demand responsive transport (DRT), car rental and taxi operators.

The region-wide solution, which is the UK’s largest MaaS deployment to date, has improved accessibility while reducing carbon emissions reductions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport. The GO-HI project offers a blueprint for other regions, demonstrating how shared mobility can benefit rural as well as urban communities.

Fleetondemand provides dedicated customer support alongside the GO-HI app, digital marketing communications to engage with end users, and a data platform that offers instant access to detailed management reporting information. The data that transport providers will be able to access about demand for their services will help them to better understand the needs of people in the region and make more informed decisions about the provision of services.

As of September 2023, there have been about 3,000 unique downloads and registrations of the app, with also has plans to launch a mobility credits scheme in conjunction with the mobility charity, Motability, to provide funded access to mobility for individuals qualifying for Motability support. The Highland Council will also use the GO-HI platform to supply their employees with alternative mobility options for commuting and business-related travel, simplifying current processes and reducing administrative burden relating to travel.