With global demand for shared mobility services projected to grow by over 30% annually and reach €283 billion by 2030, cities are increasingly turning to innovative transport solutions to combat congestion and lower emissions. As urban areas evolve, seamless payment systems are playing a pivotal role in supporting this shift toward more sustainable, convenient transportation.
Digital payment solutions have transformed the way we handle transactions, moving society away from traditional cash-based methods. Nowhere is this transformation more vital than in the shared mobility sector, where quick and efficient payments can enhance the user experience and encourage greater adoption of these services.
From bike-sharing and ride-hailing to car-sharing and micro-mobility options like e-scooters, shared transport is rapidly gaining traction. These services offer a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to private car ownership, but their success hinges on the ability to provide smooth, reliable payment experiences. Whether users are paying for a quick bus ride or unlocking an e-bike, a frictionless payment process is essential for making these sustainable options more accessible and appealing.
According to research from Mobility Partnership Ireland (MPI), the transport sector is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, contributing 11.63 Mt CO2 eq. in 2022. Private cars alone accounted for almost 40% of Ireland’s energy demand, making them a significant contributor to the nation’s carbon footprint. In fact, in 2022, private cars emitted 3.5 million tonnes of CO2, with 2.27 million private cars licensed on Irish roads, each travelling an average of 15,423 kilometres per year.
This low annual mileage raises the question of whether private car ownership is truly necessary for many people. With such limited usage, the case for embracing shared mobility options becomes even stronger. Why bear the hefty costs of private car ownership—fuel, insurance, maintenance—when shared mobility services, such as car-sharing or rentals, can offer the same convenience at a fraction of the environmental and financial cost?
A perfect example of how digital payments are simplifying everyday life is the rise of mobile parking payment apps. For over a decade, these apps have allowed drivers to pay for parking with a single tap, eliminating the hassle of carrying cash. This not only enhances the user experience but also reflects the broader trend of moving away from cash-based transactions.
However, one of the biggest challenges in shared mobility is ensuring users can seamlessly switch between different modes of transport without encountering payment issues. Whether booking a ride, unlocking a bike, or paying for a bus, the payment process must be frictionless. This is where integrated payment solutions come in. These systems allow users to move effortlessly between services without needing multiple apps or payment methods.
As shared mobility platforms expand, the role of data and technology in enabling seamless services is becoming increasingly evident. According to the Data Standardisation for Shared Mobility study, the mobility landscape has undergone rapid changes in the last decade, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and digital platforms. The availability of real-time data is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition between various transport modes, from e-bikes to ride-hailing services. Mobility hubs, acting as centralised points of transport, will play a key role in integrating these services, facilitating digital payments, and collecting valuable data that can inform future transport policies.
As shared mobility platforms expand, the ability to integrate various payment options—credit cards, mobile wallets, contactless payments—into one cohesive system becomes increasingly important. Recognising this future demand, Payzone is at the forefront of these developments, with plans to integrate sustainable transportation options into payment apps in the near future. With over 20 years of leadership in innovative payment solutions in Ireland, Payzone is committed to driving this initiative forward and supporting the shift towards greener transportation.
By integrating various mobility services into its platform, Payzone is making it easier for consumers to choose sustainable options—turning every seamless payment into a step toward a greener city. Providing these options through trusted platforms increases the likelihood that users will choose eco-friendly transportation. Furthermore, offering incentives like discounts or rewards for choosing greener modes of transport can encourage more people to adopt sustainable habits.
Reducing private car ownership can lead to substantial savings for consumers. According to research from The AA, the annual cost to the average Irish family of running a private car in 2019 was £10,691, factoring in car tax, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. This highlights the potential for both environmental and financial benefits when shifting to shared mobility.
As the shared mobility sector grows, payment solutions will play a pivotal role in its success. Companies like Payzone, specialising in innovative payment systems, are ideally positioned to drive this change. By expanding their offerings to include more mobility options and promoting sustainability through digital payments, they are not only enhancing convenience for consumers but also contributing to the development of smarter, greener cities.
About Payzone
Payzone is a provider of innovative payment solutions in Ireland. For over 20 years, the company has been central in delivering solutions to help consumers move away from cash. While Payzone may be best known for its unique network of nationwide retail stores, it is also central in providing online and mobile solutions for many of the country’s biggest companies. Payzone’s Parking Application has proven to be a very successful innovation for motorists over the past decade. Payzone intends to introduce a range of additional mobility services as part of its in-app offering. This will include connected services that aim to help consumers and promote sustainability.
This version ensures a smoother transition while incorporating the role of data and technology in shared mobility and payment solutions.
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