7 Vital Transportation Industry Trends That Can Have A Huge Impact Post COVID-19

Technology propels changes in any sector. With modern advancements in technology, customer convenience reaches a whole new level. Arguably one of the influential tech trends of the 21st century is smartphones. People are finding it convenient to access services with just a few taps on their smartphones. In its century-long stand, the transportation industry has undergone a series of trends, each surpassing the predecessor in terms of convenience, profits, and whatnot. 

The intense competition in the transportation sector brings the best out of rivals. Every competitor is striving hard to leverage technology and introduce an updated service experience. How can an entrepreneur update the existing services? What are the strategies that can help a taxi app thrive in the market? 

Take any transportation business; it revolves around three key aspects - cost-effectiveness, safety, and convenience. An entrepreneur can work individually on these three parameters or opt for a unified approach. Evolving with the trend and formulating feasible strategies is critical if you’re about to launch a state-of-the-art ride-hailing app. 

In this blog, we’ll look at seven major trends in the transportation sector and how you can implement them seamlessly in your taxi app. 

#1 Software as a Service - Challenging the aggregator model 

With increasing adaptability to cloud-based systems, cab rental agencies can begin to lean towards the highly profitable SaaS (Software as a Service) model. If you’re an entrepreneur, rolling out the software for cab rental or public transit agencies, this model can do the trick. 

This way, you needn’t worry about aggregating cars or reaching out to customers. You develop the software and rent it out to companies. With transportation taking a hit due to COVID-19, this model can pave the way for a consistent income until the situation becomes stable. 

#2 Micromobility - e-Vehicles creating a paradigm shift 

The need to prevent environmental degradation, coupled with the ability to go ‘smart’ using the latest tech standards, is making micromobility the talk of the town. The transition from fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles is inevitable. With people preferring smooth and hassle-free travel, autonomous vehicles can act as their one-stop destination for commuting.  

It is believed that micromobility can revolutionize the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) model in the upcoming years. Introducing an Uber for e-scooters in urban areas can yield fruitful results in popularity and revenue. 

#3 Geofencing - Safety within sight 

The safety of passengers is still a matter of concern in this digital world. Even after having an admin to supervise activities and implementing tracking technologies, there is still a considerable cloud of dust amid the taxi app’s safety factors. With the latest technological advancements, geofencing can be the answer to customers’ queries on traceability. 

With geofencing, an entrepreneur or the admin can create virtual boundaries within which the fleets can operate. Any fleet crossing this boundary will instantly trigger a response, paving the way for speedy action from the support team. 

#4 Self-driving vehicles - The future of automation 

Not long ago, Tesla rolled out the self-driving vehicle initiative. Removing drivers from the ecosystem can lead to enhanced productivity, privacy, and fewer accidents. Self-navigation management systems are some of the recent approaches to make self-driving a reality. 

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) gaining prominence in almost every sector, smart taxis can be the future of the transportation industry. The emergence of Vehicle to Vehicle communication, AI-enabled vehicles, 5G technology, etc., are all positive signs that the transportation industry is heading in the right direction. 

Tesla is planning to launch autonomous robotaxis by the end of this year. 

#5 Blockchain & IoT - Transparency and reliability 

Blockchain finds its place in almost every industry nowadays. The necessity to maintain accurate records makes it indispensable to think beyond this innovative technology. With customers opting for a decentralized network, a blockchain-powered Uber clone app can lead to improved traceability and greater transparency in services. 

With the software or a smartphone application acting as a centralized hub to gather information, dispatch fleets, transact payments, and many more, leveraging the untapped IoT’s potential can do the trick. As an entrepreneur, you needn’t miss out on these highly reliable technologies to stay unique and competitive. 

#6 Deliveries - Exploring the flourishing market 

The delivery services industry has grown exponentially ever since the pandemic situation. Food & grocery delivery services are finding it hard to cope with the increasing demands of the people. On the other hand, the need for taxi services has almost dried up. Collaborating with eCommerce giants for delivery services is one trend that can turn the wind towards a transportation business. 

As an added advantage, fleets operating under your business can take up delivery and taxi services. This way, you can boost your profits significantly. Joining hands with corporates for specific taxi rides is another major trend that can promise a steady income source. 

#7 Safety add-ons - Gaining the customers’ trust 

With the situation returning to normalcy, a considerable number of people will prefer taxi rides over public transport. Gaining customer trustworthiness is all that it takes to gain instant attention with a taxi app. Incorporating specific safety add-ons for COVID-19 can come in handy among customers. 

Restricting the passenger count to two or three based on the situation is the primary safety regulation you need to implement. Adding a face mask recognition software to the Uber clone app can verify if your drivers are abiding by the community guidelines. Finally, hearing customer feedback regarding services in the form of safety ratings and reviews can help you keep service quality in check. 

On the whole, adding the safety ingredient into the existing taxi platform is one significant trend that tops the chart in this current situation. 

Conclusion 

The future of the transportation industry looks bright. With technology playing its part brilliantly, no one can stop the colossal growth of this sector. The rule of success in the transportation industry is simple - evolving with customer trends and leveraging technology to improve efficiency. 

We hope these seven trends can lead to the development of a product that is efficient and fail-proof. Reach out to an app development company, implement these trends, and build a top-notch taxi app that satisfies the customers.