What transportation industry trends will we see in 2019 ?

There is no doubt that transportation is an industry that faces rapid development and changes - especially since car sharing and shared mobility are still booming. It shouldn’t be surprising that it attracts new big players such as power companies, and that the industry aims for having a diverse portfolio including free-floating car-sharing and other connected services.
What are the most significant emerging car-sharing and transportation trends in 2019?
  • Power companies are growing interest in car sharing
Although car-sharing is usually associated with companies that are already involved in transportation, new big players are coming. Power companies are one of them which seems to be a smart move as the shift to EVs and alternative fuels will likely make an impact on oil and gas revenues. This situation is unlikely to stop and the power sector can play a big role in managing supply and demand for electricity, supporting the development of alternative fuels and long-range batteries
  • Micromobility - the future of transportation?
Micromobility, which is ‘the ability of movement through minimalistic means’, on short distances, using light vehicles, such as scooters, longboards, and obviously bikes, is another emerging and significant trend, especially in overcrowded cities. Although bikes and scooters are nothing new, technology makes a huge impact on how we use them and pay for them as nowadays the ownership is not obvious just like it’s not when it comes to using cars. According to CB Insights, bikes and scooters account for 60% of all the rides shorter than 5 miles in the United States. No wonder that micromobility also attracts big players, such as BMW and Daimler who have joined forces and as Hive, they offer scooters to rent in 6 cities in Europe. Volkswagen is also working on a similar service, whereas other automotive companies acquire or invest in them. For example, Ford has acquired an electric scooter startup Spin.
  • Mobility Ecosystems
What is important to know is that one doesn’t exclude the other. Both car sharing, taxi and micromobility services can be a part of one ecosystem, one app; and it seems to be the future of shared transportation in the city. Similarly, Uber wants to go beyond ride-sharing and to offer a comprehensive customer journey when it comes to transportation, including renting bikes, scooters, and entering the car-sharing market. Uber has already started entering the plans into force by establishing partnerships with Lime and Getaround, and by acquiring JUMP - electric bikes and scooters available to short-term rent on demand.

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