Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities

As cities evolve into smarter and more connected environments, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to improve urban mobility. This study examines the potential of integrating blockchain technology into passenger transportation systems within smart cities, with a particular emphasis on a...

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Main Authors: Radu Miron, Mihai Hulea, Vlad Muresan, Iulia Clitan, Andrei Rusu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Smart Cities
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/1/9
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author Radu Miron
Mihai Hulea
Vlad Muresan
Iulia Clitan
Andrei Rusu
author_facet Radu Miron
Mihai Hulea
Vlad Muresan
Iulia Clitan
Andrei Rusu
author_sort Radu Miron
collection DOAJ
description As cities evolve into smarter and more connected environments, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to improve urban mobility. This study examines the potential of integrating blockchain technology into passenger transportation systems within smart cities, with a particular emphasis on a blockchain-enabled Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solution. In contrast to traditional technologies, blockchain’s decentralized structure improves data security and guarantees transaction transparency, thus reducing the risk of fraud and errors. The proposed MaaS framework enables seamless collaboration between key transportation stakeholders, promoting more efficient utilization of services like buses, trains, bike-sharing, and ride-hailing. By improving integrated payment and ticketing systems, the solution aims to create a smoother user experience while advancing the urban goals of efficiency, environmental sustainability, and secure data handling. This research evaluates the feasibility of a Hyperledger Fabric-based solution, demonstrating its performance under various load conditions and proposing scalability adjustments based on pilot results. The conclusions indicate that blockchain-enabled MaaS systems have the potential to transform urban mobility. Further exploration into pilot projects and the expansion to freight transportation are needed for an integrated approach to city-wide transport solutions.
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series Smart Cities
spelling doaj-art-679c4b13223543d9bb12d4ecf0ed30232025-08-20T03:11:22ZengMDPI AGSmart Cities2624-65112025-01-0181910.3390/smartcities8010009Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart CitiesRadu Miron0Mihai Hulea1Vlad Muresan2Iulia Clitan3Andrei Rusu4Automation Department, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaAutomation Department, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaAutomation Department, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaAutomation Department, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaInnovation Department, NTT DATA Romania, 400158 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaAs cities evolve into smarter and more connected environments, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to improve urban mobility. This study examines the potential of integrating blockchain technology into passenger transportation systems within smart cities, with a particular emphasis on a blockchain-enabled Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solution. In contrast to traditional technologies, blockchain’s decentralized structure improves data security and guarantees transaction transparency, thus reducing the risk of fraud and errors. The proposed MaaS framework enables seamless collaboration between key transportation stakeholders, promoting more efficient utilization of services like buses, trains, bike-sharing, and ride-hailing. By improving integrated payment and ticketing systems, the solution aims to create a smoother user experience while advancing the urban goals of efficiency, environmental sustainability, and secure data handling. This research evaluates the feasibility of a Hyperledger Fabric-based solution, demonstrating its performance under various load conditions and proposing scalability adjustments based on pilot results. The conclusions indicate that blockchain-enabled MaaS systems have the potential to transform urban mobility. Further exploration into pilot projects and the expansion to freight transportation are needed for an integrated approach to city-wide transport solutions.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/1/9blockchain technologysmart citiesMobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)integrated transportation systemsurban mobilitydecentralized payment systems
spellingShingle Radu Miron
Mihai Hulea
Vlad Muresan
Iulia Clitan
Andrei Rusu
Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
Smart Cities
blockchain technology
smart cities
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
integrated transportation systems
urban mobility
decentralized payment systems
title Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
title_full Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
title_fullStr Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
title_full_unstemmed Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
title_short Integrating Blockchain Technology into Mobility-as-a-Service Platforms for Smart Cities
title_sort integrating blockchain technology into mobility as a service platforms for smart cities
topic blockchain technology
smart cities
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
integrated transportation systems
urban mobility
decentralized payment systems
url https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/1/9
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AT iuliaclitan integratingblockchaintechnologyintomobilityasaserviceplatformsforsmartcities
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