Interview with MaaS Symposium Speaker Zuzana Púciková, Director of EU Public Policy at Uber

Fluidtime: What challenges will there be in the future when it comes to finding a way that promises people mobility and freedom while protecting the environment and reducing CO2 emissions? How can Uber help you find the right path?

Púčiková: Congestion, air pollution and emissions are becoming more and more of a problem. City dwellers will not be able to rely on the private car for much longer – many are already no longer able to do so. The solution is a range of different alternatives: from public transport to ride-hailing and micro mobility. However, urban mobility has to be more reliable and better connected in order to achieve this. Uber plays a huge role in complementing alternative modes of transportation. In addition, our concept enables us to close infrastructure gaps in poorly connected districts.

We’re also seeing a lot of evidence of Uber’s role in “last mile” rides. A third of Uber rides in Paris begin or end within a 200-meter radius of a public transit stop. This shows us, how Uber can complement public transport and increase its use.

Fluidtime: How can we make sustainable mobility accessible to all? Regardless of economic status?

Púčiková: The increasing choice of electric vehicles on on-demand platforms gives everyone access to eco-friendly rides. Without having to accept the expensive purchase of an electric car.

“From Uber’s perspective, we plan to move to a fully electric ride-hailing service in Europe by 2030. So everyone who uses Uber knows they’re choosing a sustainable option.”

As part of Uber’s 2030 commitment, we have provided high financial support to make it easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles. But other private companies and governments also need to invest. This is the only way to make this transition possible – charging stations, affordable electric vehicles, and so on.

Of course, access to safe, reliable and sustainable mobility is an important priority for us. I think Uber can make an important contribution to that. In the cities, we react where the demand is. This means that we can close infrastructure gaps in underserved parts of cities and rural areas.

Fluidtime: What is your outlook for the future? Will sustainable models like MaaS succeed in replacing the private car and making sustainable mobility an everyday mobility?

Púčiková: I’m cautiously optimistic about the future – after all, it’s much easier to create a fully sustainable MaaS platform than to switch the entire private car fleet to sustainable vehicles. The right mix of ride-hailing, public transport and other modes of transport such as cycling and walking is crucial to creating a sustainable MaaS platform.

To replace private vehicles, MaaS platforms and policymakers need to work together. In this way, the systems can be designed conveniently and cost-effectively. For example, platforms should seamlessly integrate sustainable modes of transport into their service. It is also important to create incentives for passengers to use sustainable modes of transport while reducing their own costs. Policymakers can also support this.
To this end, they should deviate from a private car policy and move to a policy that promotes sustainable alternatives.