CityMaaS aims for spontaneous and inclusive travel for disabled people

by Startacus Admin

CityMaaS Assist is an app aiming to achieve spontaneous and inclusive travel for disabled people using innovative dynamic UX/UI and machine learning.

Even in 2019, the options for those with disabilities to travel from place to place are limited. Many buses still do not have the ability to simply allow someone with a wheelchair to board, meaning that person has to sit at the bus stop and wait for the next bus that might have that ability, or call a far more expensive taxi, which also requires fore-knowledge of the wheelchair or else they’ll turn up and tell you they can’t take you.

This is a pretty poor state of affairs in the 21st century, and one that is changing far too slowly. But it is the situation we find ourselves in so, along with forcing change, we need a shorter-term solution for those with disabilities.

Enter London-based CityMaas Assist. A decentralised service designed to help those with disabilities discover the best way for them to travel. All you need to do is set up your profile, detailing your specific requirements, and then whenever you need to go somewhere, the app will work out the best options for you.

If you need assistance at any or all stages of the journey, the CityMaaS Assist will even help arrange that. Booking is taken care of in-app, and it covers everything from bike hire to the subway.

CityMaas Assist uses artificial intelligence to continually improve, and the user’s feedback on what did and didn’t work about their journey helps with every iteration. As well as this function, CityMaaS Assist will use the data they gather to work with local and central government to help improve services and facilities, as well as aiding with larger scale city planning that takes people with disabilities into account.

Currently part of both the SETsquared incubator and the East London Allia Serious Impact programme, CityMaaS Assist is also part of the Microsoft AI for Good programme. It has already been nominated and shortlisted for awards such as Techpreneurs Women in Tech awards 2019 and the European Startup Prize for mobility.

This is of no surprise, and we’re sure these are only the start of the accolades to come for such a potentially important startup.

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• #accessibility
• #disability
• #travel
• #traveltech
• #citymaas

Published on: 15th June 2019