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trafi takes its mobility-as-a-service platform to latam, starting with bogota

AVATAR Kirsten Korosec
Kirsten Korosec
Transportation Editor, TechCrunch
February 15, 2021
trafi takes its mobility-as-a-service platform to latam, starting with bogota

Trafi Expands Mobility-as-a-Service Platform to Bogota, Colombia

Trafi, a Lithuanian startup specializing in unified transportation solutions, is extending its reach beyond Europe. The company is now targeting highly populated urban centers globally.

An agreement has been finalized to implement Trafi’s mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform in Bogota, Colombia.

The Core of Trafi’s Technology

Trafi operates on a white-label basis. This means its core technology powers various branded apps like Yuomov in Zurich, Jelbi in Berlin, and MVG in Munich.

Currently serving seven European cities, the platform aggregates real-time transportation data. This enables efficient route planning for users.

A key differentiator for Trafi is its integrated payment system. This feature sets it apart from many competitors in the MaaS space.

Beyond City Partnerships

Trafi’s technology isn’t limited to direct city partnerships. Major players like Google, Lyft, and Gojek also utilize Trafi’s solutions.

Bogota Implementation Details

In Bogota, the platform will integrate all public transit options. This includes buses, trams, taxis, and e-bikes.

Users will benefit from a unified payment system for all modes of transport. The app will provide real-time departure information and a “nearby function” displaying available mobility options.

Intermodal routing will also be available. This feature suggests combinations of up to three different transport methods, such as combining an e-bike ride with a bus journey.

Image Credits: Trafi

Future Expansion Plans

Bogota represents the initial step in a broader Latin American expansion strategy. Martynas Gudonavičius, Trafi’s co-founder and CEO, indicated plans to target other capital cities in the region.

São Paulo, Brazil, is among the first cities being considered. The company will also pursue contracts with smaller and medium-sized cities.

Cities with existing digital ticketing systems and diverse transportation options – including scooters, bicycles, buses, and ride-hailing services – are ideal candidates for Trafi’s platform.

“Latin America provides a compelling environment for the growth of mobility-as-a-service,” Gudonavičius stated. “Bogota’s young and rapidly growing population makes it an excellent location to facilitate a shift towards a MaaS model.”

Growth and Asian Markets

Trafi is actively expanding its team. The company is currently recruiting a regional director and plans to hire across all departments this year.

Furthermore, an expansion into Asia is planned for the latter half of 2021. Specific city details remain confidential, but a Japanese city is a key target for entry.

Gudonavičius mentioned that the company has a prioritized list of Asian cities for potential expansion.

#trafi#mobility as a service#MaaS#bogota#colombia#latam

Kirsten Korosec

Kirsten Korosec: A Leading Voice in Transportation Technology

For over ten years, Kirsten Korosec has been a dedicated journalist and editor focusing on the evolving landscape of transportation.

Her reporting encompasses a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles, urban air mobility, and the latest advancements in in-car technology.

Current Role and Podcast Involvement

Currently, Ms. Korosec serves as the transportation editor at TechCrunch, a prominent technology news website.

She also actively participates in podcasting, co-hosting TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, which provides insights into the business of technology.

Furthermore, she is a co-founder and co-host of “The Autonocast,” a podcast specifically dedicated to the world of autonomous vehicles.

Previous Experience

Prior to her role at TechCrunch, Kirsten Korosec contributed her expertise to several other respected publications.

  • She previously authored articles for Fortune magazine.
  • Her work also appeared in The Verge, a technology news and culture website.
  • Ms. Korosec has also written for Bloomberg, MIT Technology Review, and CBS Interactive.

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Kirsten Korosec