Mobility as a service for business travel: Exploring feasibility and travelers’ preferences

• Business travel is often intertwined with other daily activities. • MaaS must offer flexibility and functionalities that support intricate trip chains. • Administrative challenges serve as catalysts for MaaS adoption. • Organizational support is essential for MaaS implementation. The high level of integration among transport services promised by Mobility as a Service (MaaS) can enhance convenience and reduce the environmental footprint for business travelers. However, implementing MaaS for business travel requires understanding how employees integrate their trips, which may have multiple purposes on their business travel days. This empirical study explored how employees at a Dutch university organize trip chaining during their business travel days and user preferences regarding MaaS for domestic business travel. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines semi-structured interviews (n = 12) and a detailed trip diary survey (n = 219) conducted during a transitional phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight significant variability in how employees organize business travel, revealing distinct preferences for MaaS features such as integrated reimbursement systems. These findings provide practical recommendations for MaaS providers and policymakers aiming to design MaaS that meets the nuanced needs of business travelers.