A more inclusive and sustainable mobility: Is Mobility as a Service (MaaS) a chimera or progress for Latin American cities?

Currently, residents of large metropolitan areas in Latin America who do not own automobiles primarily rely on a multimodal mobility system to travel long distances. However, these transportation modes operate independently and do not interact effectively, resulting in high commuting costs that negatively impact the quality of life. This is particularly evident in the long travel times, necessary transfers, and the overall conditions of travel. In this context, this study assessed the feasibility of implementing a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) system in the city of Santiago (Chile), aiming to improve multimodal travel conditions and encourage the use of sustainable transportation options. To achieve this, we developed and applied a multi-criteria index for territorial suitability, which is structured around three dimensions: physical, temporal, and behavioral. The index was specifically used to assess the potential of Greater Santiago for future implementation of MaaS. The findings indicate that the city is moving away from the socioeconomic segregation that has shaped its growth model, highlighting a new East/West axis that is particularly beneficial for implementing a MaaS system.