Mobility Data Platforms Key to Transforming Mobility

The transformation of mobility is one of the central challenges of our time. With the climate crisis, growing cities and aging infrastructure, the need for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions is growing. Digitization is a key factor. Mobility data platforms play a key role in this by connecting transport modes and stakeholders. But what exactly are mobility data platforms, how do they work, and how do they contribute to the transformation of mobility? This article provides an overview of the basics, how they work, and the potential of such platforms.

What are mobility data platforms?

Mobility data platforms are digital systems that collect and standardize traffic data from multiple sources and make it available to multiple stakeholders. These platforms go far beyond traditional traffic databases by standardizing the data and making it usable for different applications.

A key difference to traditional systems is the integration of different modes of transport: data from public transport, sharing services, private motorized transport and other sources are bundled. The goal is to create a seamless mobility experience in which citizens can easily switch between different modes of transport, for example.

How do mobility data platforms work?

The way mobility data platforms work is based on a combination of modern technologies and clearly structured processes. These can be divided into three main areas:

1. Data collection: The collection of data is the first step in the operation of mobility data platforms. Data sources include, for example, timetable data, information on traffic volumes, parking spaces, park & ride and sharing offers. This data is collected in real time by sensors, apps and transport systems to create a constantly updated basis for applications. The networking between different means of transport plays a crucial role here.
2. Data standardization: After collection, the data must be converted into uniform formats. Different structures and formats, as they often occur in traffic systems, are harmonized. Standardized interfaces such as GTFS/GTFS-RT (General Transit Feed Specification) for public transport data or GBFS (General Bikeshare Feed Specification) facilitate this process. Open source technologies such as Kubernetes also provide the necessary flexibility and scalability to efficiently process large amounts of data.
3. Data provision: In the last step, the processed data is provided in a bundled form. For example, transport planners, mobility providers and citizen apps can access this information to develop innovative services. The data is often provided via APIs (application programming interfaces), which enable direct integration into existing applications. This ensures that the data is not only collected, but can be actively used to make users’ everyday lives easier.

Benefits for various stakeholders

• Citizens: For citizens, the use of mobility data platforms means more transparency and better planning options. Real-time information makes it possible to avoid delays or traffic jams and to efficiently combine alternative means of transport. Multimodal route planning not only makes mobility more sustainable, but also more convenient.
• Municipalities: Municipalities benefit from data-based decisions that optimize traffic control and improve infrastructure in a targeted manner. The use of centrally provided data saves time and money in administration and facilitates the planning of sustainable transport projects.
• Mobility providers: Thanks to the platforms, providers can seamlessly integrate and expand their services. Standardized interfaces reduce the technical effort and enable the development of innovative offers. In addition, compliance with legal requirements is facilitated.
• Research and start-ups: innovative players such as start-ups and research institutes can use the platforms as a basis for new developments. They provide access to extensive data sets, creating the basis for experiments and the development of forward-looking solutions.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the many benefits, mobility data platforms face challenges.Privacy is a key issue, as high security standards are required to ensure user trust. The technical complexity of building and operating such platforms also requires significant resources and experienced partners.

The future prospects of such platforms are promising. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data offer enormous potential for making transportation systems even more efficient. The international networking of platforms could enable cross-border mobility solutions and thus further improve the travel experience.

Example: The Mobidrom data platform

The data platform of NRW.Mobidrom GmbH is an example of how mobility data can promote sustainable change in transport. Its goal is to make mobility data in North Rhine-Westphalia available to a wide range of stakeholders.The platform receives mobility data, standardizes it and makes it available in bundled form.

• Technological basis: The Mobidrom data platform is based on a cloud-based architecture and relies on open standards that allow for easy integration of existing and new applications. The platform uses open-source technologies such as Kubernetes to ensure a high degree of scalability and flexibility.

• Wide range of applications: By using the Mobidrom data platform, mobility providers in North Rhine-Westphalia can develop new services for their customers and expand their own offerings. Static and dynamic data from all modes of transport are processed, bundled and made available on the data platform on a non-discriminatory basis.Citizens benefit from improved route planning and transfer options throughout the state. Municipalities can use the bundled mobility data to better manage traffic and achieve their transportation policy goals more efficiently. In particular, it should be easier to leave your car at a park-and-ride lot, take the train, and rent a bike for the last few miles to your destination – all based on real-time data.

Disclaimer: Materna is playing a key role in the development and has designed the system architecture and a user-friendly self-service portal that allows users to access the data they need and use it for their own applications.

Another key aspect is the planned connection to the Mobilithek, the national access point for mobility data. This integration will enable a seamless connection between regional and national mobility solutions, promoting an even better travel experience.

Conclusion

Mobility data platforms are the key to transforming mobility. They enable more efficient use of existing resources, promote innovative solutions and contribute to sustainable transport development. Projects such as the Mobidrom data platform in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, show how digitization can revolutionize mobility.

Author: Vanessa Dunker, Content Manager at Materna
Expert: Jan Siepmann, Account Manager Transport at Materna

Materna Group

The Materna Group realizes sustainable IT and digitization projects for customers from large corporations, medium-sized companies, and public authorities. In 2024, Materna generated a turnover of 710 million euros with around 4,500 employees worldwide. Know-how and expertise are bundled in four strategic areas: Artificial Intelligence, Human x Digital, Platform-based Transformation, and Business Resilience. With Artificial Intelligence, Materna enables automated processes, data-driven decision-making, and innovative business models. Human x Digital stands for technologies that empower people, enable intuitive interactions, and make work more efficient. Platforms form the core of digitization by connecting data, processes, and services for greater agility and scalability. With a comprehensive Resilient Cloud Strategy, Materna helps companies effectively tackle threats, ensure cybersecurity, and secure long-term stability as well as digital sovereignty.