The Socio-Economic Impact Of Shared Modes of Transportation in Africa

Transportation systems and projects have the power to affect the economies of any community in several ways. They could affect the way companies transact business, drive employment rates, boost local investments, foster settlement growth, and so on.

A critical look at which systems work and which transportation services do not can be the difference between transport effectiveness and poor performance, which would, in turn, inform and influence economic processes within any community.

For the most part, transportation mobility projects that can increase to any degree, the ability, speed, and capacity of businesses to supply products and services tend to be favoured. Projects that can also provide ease of access to education and places of employment enjoy success while providing an economic boost in the process.

Other factors that also contribute to the success of transport projects include travel time, quality of travel, and the environmental impact of the mode of travel.

Shared on-demand mobility has been able to have this sort of impact on cities and communities where it is deployed correctly. With shared mobility, businesses and commuters share and can choose from a wide array of drivers and automobiles, made available usually through an app. This is also known as e-hailing.

They can be called on whenever they need to travel or transport goods and services, anytime, anywhere. A few companies have seen this opportunity to serve and have run with it, including MAX, which is fast becoming the number one mobility player in emerging markets.

Usually, shared mobility leads to an economic boost, owing to the improved ease and effectiveness of travel, facilitating access to engagements, places of employment, and education. It also creates equitable access to jobs and other opportunities.

Shared travel can significantly reduce the financial impact previously weighed on businesses, as there is a reduced need to purchase logistics machinery to satisfy demand. On an individual level, shared on-demand travel also establishes an acceptable vehicle standard and comfort level. This also shields individuals from the financial burden of ownership.

Advantages

In one view, the advantages enjoyed are spread across different entities. They are mostly related to increased capacity and efficiency, as well as the ability to get the job done while keeping costs down. This is especially appreciated by businesses that handle and ship large volumes of goods and services to customers. In response to this upturn in finances, businesses can remunerate employees better.

Better experiences are also created for customers with companies being able to reach them faster and more efficiently than they were able to reach them previously. Prices of goods and services can also be kept at reasonable levels.

This creates a better all-around relationship between the service provider and the customer. Companies, including those that offer transportation services, also have the freedom to access a greater pool of employees to serve consumers.

Property value and attractiveness also increase in areas where shared mobility is common and frequently used. Fewer residents find the need to acquire vehicles and those that do notably reduce the number of vehicles acquired.

Resources that were previously used for utilities such as repairs/maintenance, and fuel, can be put to other use, thereby increasing the quality of living. As an added advantage, fewer vehicles in the home frees up more space to be used for other projects i.e. game rooms, workshops and studios, instead of a garage.

Competition within the mobility sector is also encouraged which can greatly expand economic potential and resulting activity. Innovation and hospitality would therefore be encouraged as providers would seek to outdo each other. This makes for a thriving industry and an economic uptake for the community or city.

When these benefits are compounded with the option of shared eco-friendly travel, this greatly increases the quality of living for everyone. The carbon footprint for businesses and individuals alike reduces considerably and all stakeholders are better for it.

MAX is putting in the effort in this regard, by providing premium asset financing transportation services. By building the largest network of drivers where drivers are equipped with high-performance vehicles and outfitted with unrivalled welfare packages, the market for shared on-demand travel is made more effective and comfortable for businesses and individuals.