{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/integrated-mobility-as-a-service-for-franchised-public-transport", "identifier": "a087b242-9010-4210-93cc-a87b0ad666e0", "slug": "integrated-mobility-as-a-service-for-franchised-public-transport", "title": "Integrated Mobility-as-a-Service for Franchised Public Transport", "categories": [ "Travel & Mobility", "CivicTech", "Operations" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ], "category_urls": [ "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/category/travel-and-mobility", "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/category/civictech", "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/category/operations" ], "region_urls": [ "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/region/united-kingdom" ], "problem_statement": "The Liverpool City Region transport network is currently fragmented, with bus and rail operations lacking local accountability and cohesion. The transition to bus franchising and public control of Merseyrail by 2028 creates a technical challenge in unifying disparate data, ticketing, and scheduling systems into a single user experience.", "audience": "Commuters and transport users in the Liverpool City Region who currently navigate separate systems for buses and trains. This also serves the Combined Authority as they require tools to manage franchised operators and public service obligations.", "evidence_summary": "Evidence confirms the Liverpool City Region is taking back control of buses through franchising and rail services (Merseyrail) by 2028. The Mayor aims to create a 'joined-up' network where different modes work together as one, supported by DfT franchising manuals and new operator appointments.", "demand_signal": "Public commitments by the Metro Mayor to create a 'joined-up' transport network and the publication of a 138-page DfT bus franchising manual indicate high administrative demand.", "competition_signal": "Current systems operate in silos; while Citymapper provides data, it lacks the deep integration with local franchising KPIs and ticketing systems the LCRCA is moving toward.", "suggested_solution": "Develop a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform specifically designed for the 're-municipalised' model, facilitating tap-and-go ticketing and cross-modal journey planning. The solution should provide a dashboard for the Combined Authority to monitor performance metrics of franchised private operators in real-time.", "monetisation_angle": "B2B SaaS licensing to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and potential transaction fees or premium consumer features for unified smart-ticketing access.", "underserved_score": 90, "score_rationale": "The opportunity is coherent because it directly solves the logistical and passenger-experience challenges created by the government policy shift toward public control and franchising detailed in the evidence.", "score_scale": { "min": 0, "max": 100 }, "sources": [ { "name": "Liverpool City Region Combined Authority — Publicly owned, passenger-focused bus upgrades", "url": "https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/news/publicly-owned-passenger-focused-mayor-unveils-day-one-bus-upgrades", "publisher": "liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk", "source_type": null, "date": null, "note": "Passengers will benefit from more frequent services, extended routes, and better links to hospitals and railway stations." }, { "name": "Liverpool City Region Combined Authority — Operators announced for first franchised bus services", "url": "https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/news/operators-announced-for-first-franchised-bus-services-in-the-liverpool-city-region-in-40-years", "publisher": "liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk", "source_type": null, "date": null, "note": "In one of the biggest shifts in local transport policy in a generation, the Liverpool City Region has appointed two new operators to run its first publicly cont" }, { "name": "Department for Transport — Bus franchising manual", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-franchising-manual", "publisher": "gov.uk", "source_type": null, "date": "2026-01-29", "note": "Practical guide to support local authorities with the bus franchising process." }, { "name": "Liverpool City Region Combined Authority — Mayor sets out plan to take back public control of Merseyrail", "url": "https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/news/mayor-sets-out-plan-to-take-back-public-control-of-merseyrail", "publisher": "liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk", "source_type": null, "date": null, "note": "Landmark move would bring Merseyrail services into public ownership and help create a simpler, more joined-up local transport network." }, { "name": "BBC News — Merseyrail to be brought back into public control", "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4kv8nnpgvo", "publisher": "bbc.co.uk", "source_type": null, "date": "2026-07-19", "note": "Liverpool City Region is to take over when the current Merseyrail concession ends in 2028." }, { "name": "Liverpool City Region Combined Authority — Transport and Bus Franchising", "url": "https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/transport", "publisher": "liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk", "source_type": null, "date": null, "note": "" } ], "related_opportunities": [ { "title": "Solar Farm Construction Ecosystem Planner", "slug": "solar-farm-construction-ecosystem-planner", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/solar-farm-construction-ecosystem-planner", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/solar-farm-construction-ecosystem-planner.json", "underserved_score": 89, "categories": [ "ClimateTech", "Operations", "Trades & Construction" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] }, { "title": "Tram Closure Business Disruption Planner", "slug": "tram-closure-business-disruption-planner", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/tram-closure-business-disruption-planner", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/tram-closure-business-disruption-planner.json", "underserved_score": 88, "categories": [ "Travel & Mobility", "Local Services", "Operations", "CivicTech" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] }, { "title": "Regeneration Stakeholder Readiness Platform", "slug": "regeneration-stakeholder-readiness-platform", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/regeneration-stakeholder-readiness-platform", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/regeneration-stakeholder-readiness-platform.json", "underserved_score": 88, "categories": [ "GovTech", "CivicTech", "Local Services", "PropTech" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] }, { "title": "Live Music Mobility Intelligence Platform", "slug": "live-music-mobility-intelligence-platform", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/live-music-mobility-intelligence-platform", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/live-music-mobility-intelligence-platform.json", "underserved_score": 88, "categories": [ "Data & Analytics", "Culture & Entertainment", "Travel & Mobility", "B2B SaaS", "GovTech" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] }, { "title": "Sandhills Waterfront Mobility Intelligence Platform", "slug": "sandhills-waterfront-mobility-intelligence-platform", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/sandhills-waterfront-mobility-intelligence-platform", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/sandhills-waterfront-mobility-intelligence-platform.json", "underserved_score": 88, "categories": [ "B2B SaaS", "GovTech", "Travel & Mobility", "AI & Automation", "Operations" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] }, { "title": "Industrial Land Pipeline Supplier Marketplace", "slug": "industrial-land-pipeline-supplier-marketplace", "url": "https://undersrvd.com/opportunities/industrial-land-pipeline-supplier-marketplace", "api_url": "https://undersrvd.com/api/public/opportunities/industrial-land-pipeline-supplier-marketplace.json", "underserved_score": 87, "categories": [ "Marketplaces", "Operations", "Travel & Mobility", "Trades & Construction" ], "regions": [ "United Kingdom" ] } ], "license": "https://undersrvd.com/data-license" }