The Challenge:

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital, was hit hard by severe flooding, exacerbating the struggles of the urban poor and paralyzing the public transport system. Sopheap, a dedicated government official with a keen focus on urban development, saw beyond the immediate crisis. He envisioned a transformative approach to urban mobility, aiming to rebuild and improve the transportation network for a more sustainable future. Click here to verify

"As we navigated the floodwaters, we glimpsed a chance to redefine the essence of mobility in our city"- Sopheap (Urban Development Official)

The Solution:

Sopheap championed the creation of a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform, a comprehensive digital solution designed to unify Phnom Penh’s fragmented transportation scene. This platform aimed to simplify travel by integrating various transport modes, allowing users to plan, book, and pay for their trips through a single app, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for all, particularly those most affected by the flooding.

"We envisioned a service that not only makes travel easier but also brings our community closer" - Chantha (a project manager)

The Implementation:

The journey to bring MaaS to life in Phnom Penh began with Sopheap's efforts to unite a diverse array of stakeholders around a shared vision of accessible and sustainable urban mobility. He led a series of collaborative workshops with transportation providers, tech developers, and community representatives, laying the groundwork for the MaaS platform. The development phase was marked by an emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that the service catered to the needs of all residents, especially those hit hardest by the floods. Partnerships with local ride-sharing and bike-sharing services were forged, integrating them into the platform to provide comprehensive coverage. A public awareness campaign was launched, highlighting the benefits of MaaS and offering tutorials to guide users. The launch of the MaaS platform was accompanied by a feedback loop, inviting users to share their experiences and suggestions for improvement.

"As we watched our community embrace the MaaS platform, we knew we were witnessing a transformation in how people perceive and use public transport," - Kiri (a community liaison)

The Impact:

The introduction of the MaaS platform has been a game-changer for Phnom Penh, significantly alleviating the mobility crisis triggered by the floods. Facilitating over a million journeys in its first year, the platform played a pivotal role in the city’s recovery, ensuring residents remained connected to essential services and opportunities. This initiative has not only bridged gaps in the urban transit network but also fostered a renewed sense of unity and cooperation among residents, showcasing the power of innovative solutions in overcoming adversity.

"Our streets are now channels of connectivity and inclusivity, thanks to the MaaS platform. It's more than just a way to travel; it's a way to unite," - Sothea (an urban planner)

Lessons Learned:

• Integration of Diverse Transit Options: Demonstrating the effectiveness of merging various modes of transportation into a unified service to address complex urban mobility challenges, especially in post-disaster recovery phases.

• Engagement and Education: The critical role of engaging the community through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to ensure widespread adoption and understanding of new mobility solutions.

• Feedback for Continuous Improvement: Highlighting the necessity of establishing feedback mechanisms to continually adapt and refine the service based on real-world user experiences and needs.