MaaS per tutti: strategie e strumenti per un sistema di trasporto accessibile e inclusivo per i gruppi sociali vulnerabili (VSGs)

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) can be defined as an emerging mobility paradigm that is based on the integration of public and private transport services via digital platforms. The aim of MaaS is to offer multimodal, personalised and accessible travel solutions. The uptake of this technology has been concentrated in urban areas where demand is high, whilst its application remains limited in peripheral and marginalised areas characterised by a lack of supply and reduced accessibility to services. The present research is predicated on the hypothesis that MaaS has the potential to function as an enabling tool, not only in areas characterised by low demand, but also for vulnerable individuals who encounter limitations in their independent access to local opportunities. From this standpoint, the notion of 'low demand' is expanded from the purely territorial dimension to the social dimension, thereby introducing an interpretation of MaaS based on the principles of inclusion, equity, social justice and universal accessibility. The objective of this study is to determine the design requirements and criteria for an inclusive MaaS, with the aim of enhancing the autonomy and social participation of vulnerable individuals. In order to achieve this objective, the research integrates the concepts of mobility capital and the capability approach, developing an applied method to analyse the conditions that influence an individual's ability to access and use mobility services. The method was applied through a qualitative and quantitative survey designed to identify mobility behaviours, perceived barriers, available resources and the propensity to use digital solutions and assistive technologies. The research process therefore led to the definition of criteria for the design of MaaS systems capable of integrating efficiency, sustainability and inclusion, helping to transform mobility from a factor of exclusion into a lever for individual autonomy and participation in urban and social life