Mizuho Bank, a financial institution, launches the support of the next -generation transportation service "MaAS (Mobility as a Service)".
On June 21, 2021, a press release announced jointly with Mizuho Research & Technologies was revealed.
The support destination is an on -demand bus service by OSAKA Metro Group.Mizuho Bank and Mizuho Research & Technologies will conclude a consulting contract at the Osaka City Express Electric Railway, a member of the OSAKA Metro Group, and provide support.
Press Release: "About Mizuho" in the development of next -generation mobility service development, at first glance, transportation services and finance seem to be far from, but finance is an indispensable actor for spreading MaaS.In the first place, I will explain what MaaS is, what kind of mechanism, and the background of financing to become a leading actor based on the case of OSAKA METROUP and Mizuho Financial Group.
■ Overview of OSAKA Metro Group on -demand bus
Quoted source: OSAKA METRO Group March 4, 2021 Press release material
Overview: A social experiment started by the OSAKA METRO Group on March 30, 2021.Users specify the date and time of the boarding and boarding location by smartphone app or telephone.New style shared bus service target area that operates and operates the optimal operation route to the designated place: Ikuno -ku, Osaka, the same plains fee: Adults 210 yen, Children 110 yen Vehicle: 8 -seater one boxcar
What is MaaS in the first place?What is convenient?
MaaS is an abbreviation of "Mobility as a Service" (mobility as a service), which is to serve the movement itself via technology, and IT has a specific movement of "transportation other than private cars".It is a concept that summarizes as a service related to.
Services and social experiments are being provided in various regions, both in Japan and overseas.
Why do you need MaaS?To put it simply, "we can optimize the resources of transportation business operators for the needs of users."
In recent years in Japan, the needs of people's means of transportation have changed due to the declining population due to the declining birthrate and aging population and the increase in telework due to corona.Transfer businesses such as buses and taxis have issues such as shortage of drivers and expansion of deficit routes.
For this reason, Mizuho Research & Technologies states in a press release, saying, "In the traffic field, the optimal mobile service (omitted) that integrates various means of transportation is expected."
■ Illustration of the need for MaaS
Quoted source: About Mizuho's initiatives in the development of next -generation mobility service
■ On -demand bus stop installation image
Source: OSAKA Metro Group
In the on -demand bus designed by OSAKA Metro Group, a new boarding location is placed in a mesh (mesh) in addition to the existing bus stop bus stop.Instead of operating a fixed route, the user's reservation date and boarding place are optimized with AI.
Although it has not been integrated with various means of transportation by IT, it seems that it has begun to function as an optimized mobile service.
The point of contact between MaaS and finance is cashless, but the reason for the bank to support
Regarding the main subject MaaS and finance, there is cashless at the contact.
The data of where you moved to the MaaS optimization is essential, but it is reasonable to collect and analyze through cashless payments.
It is possible to collect information on which section the user used in cash payment, but it is difficult to identify the same person, so it will be a cashless payment.
We have you pay the usage fee for cashless payments such as credit cards and transportation ICs, and the payment data is analyzed the usage history in a form that cannot be identified, and is useful for MaaS operation design and daily demand forecast.The OSAKA Metro Group on -demand bus can be paid by cash or credit card.
Source: If you select the boarding point and latter point from the map from the on -demand bus use application "OSAKA MAAS Social experimental version", it will display the ride time, so wait at the platform.For payment methods, select cash or credit cards on the app.The credit card number is registered in advance as an app
I want to make a question here.I know the point of contact with the finance, but why is Mizuho Bank's support this time, even though credit card businesses and cashless operators such as PayPay and JR Group should support them?
As one of the analysis of operating efficiency, it can be said that banks have many know -how and knowledge related to fintech when working with multiple businesses.But I see that MaaS needs "credit and publicity".
If you imagine the user, the elderly who have returned the license, which have only public transportation in a time when the family is absent, comes to mind first.
And when I recommend the elderly, "Please make cashless payment using maaS", I do not know how to use it.There are likely to be issues such as not being able to use it because the service name seems to be suspicious.Also, even if you are not the elderly, some people have the same task.
In this case, even if the on -demand bus app is made by OSAKA Metro, it may be reluctant to enter a credit card number to use a transportation service.If "bank" is involved in MaaS management, you will trust you more.There is also an advantage that you can explain how to use and how to settle at the time of use at the bank window.
The background that requires such "credit" is the publicity of MaaS.In order to become a traffic infrastructure in the general public, it should not be a closed service that encloses users.Activities such as involving multiple companies related to movement are indispensable, and the role of banks, which is the basis of various businesses and industries, can be demonstrated here.You must actively invite different industries, expand your business, and in parallel, increase MaaS users and increase awareness, and have society accepted.
In response to these activities to spread the MAAS, in addition to the needs of cashless payments, new funding demands will be expected to enter in a different industry based on MaaS.
However, in this case of OSAKA Metro Group, Mizuho Bank is a supporter of consulting contracts, so it is likely that the independent activities as a member of the MAAS business will be difficult at this time.
However, in the press release, he said, "We are aiming for a" conversion to the next -generation finance "that creates new value beyond finance," and said, "II analysis of knowledge and human flow data, business development and system development consulting know -how."I say.
Is it possible to solve the regional issues in Osaka City?It is a sight.
Reliability and responsibility issues that can be seen as the number of businesses related to MaaS increases
Reliability and responsibility issues that can be seen as the number of businesses related to MaaS increases
If you imagine that the bank is the role of "switching hub" and the MaaS is widely spread in the general public, who will be responsible for data and data distribution?You can see the challenge.
I think of solutions such as "Let's build a network between related business operators and ensure data reliability", or "audit whether data is distributed in compliance with privacy policy".。In order to solve these issues, the knowledge and know -how of the bank, which has been responsible for people's money, will surely be useful.
