HITRANS launches MaaS app in Scottish Highlands

The new GO-HI app will include an option to rent Enterprise vehicles Credit: HITRANS

The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) has launched a new app which will make it easier for residents, tourists and business travellers to access the information they need to make greater use of public transport and car sharing and to decide when cycling is an option.

HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, has developed the bespoke GO-HI branded app to provide instant access to information on buses, trains, taxis, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries. The authority says this will allow 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.

As part of the scheme, app users will be able to book Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Enterprise Car Club vehicles through the easy-to-use GO-HI app, as well as access a range of other shared transport options across the region.

“This pioneering project  provides a one stop shop for all travel needs, combining a journey planner with real-time travel information, tickets and payment options, allowing integration of bus, rail, flight, bike, car club, demand responsive transport (DRT), car rental and taxi operators across the Highlands,” said Highland Councillor Allan Henderson, Chair, HITRANS.

“It is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors. It also addresses Government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives. It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region including active travel opportunities.”  

“The Scottish Government sees great potential in the future of Mobility as a Service and a real opportunity for Scotland to be at the forefront of developments. That’s why in 2018, our Programme for Government committed to establish the MaaS Investment Fund,” revealed Scottish Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey.

“Much has changed since 2018, but as we think about the urgent need for a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of MaaS solutions in Scottish transport is perhaps more important than ever before. MaaS applications can directly support our vision for a more sustainable transport system as outlined in our National Transport Strategy, in addition to the bold commitments we’ve made through our updated Climate Change Plan.

“By creating new partnerships between the public and private sectors to focus on collaborative solutions to complex transport problems, I’m excited to see how GO-HI transforms the travel experience for residents and visitors to the Highlands and Islands.”

The GO-HI app is produced by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, in association with the Mobilleo MaaS platform. Project partners include Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Car Club, Bewegen, Brompton Bike Hire, Stagecoach Bus, West Coast Motors, Inverness Taxis, ScotRail, Loganair, Shotl, Skedgo, Orkney Ferries and Northlink Ferries.