User Perspectives on Emerging Mobility Services: Ex Post Analysis of Kutsuplus Pilot

Kutsuplus was a novel, flexible micro transit service (FMTS) operating in the urban parts of Helsinki during 2012 to 2015. The service included a range of new technological development, ranging from routing algorithm to marketing and user interface. However, at the end of 2015, the service ended due to budgetary constraints. In the context of service discontinuation, and the lack of in-depth understanding of user perspectives about urban FMTS, this paper aims to uncover the perspectives of the actual (non)-users of the system. The methodological approach bases on a questionnaire, with mapping capabilities enabling collection of georeferenced data. The results show that Kutsuplus users had a range of socio-economic and travel behavior features. In addition, the results include detailed analysis of stated trip characteristics.
Furthermore, the results include qualitative analysis of respondents’ opinions and recommendations about positive and lacking FMTS features. The paper ends with a summary of positive Kutsuplus features, followed by the discussion of aspects for future deployment, including end-user and service area analysis, marketing strategy, and service usability. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for further research on FMTS.