The platform, entitled ‘Renfe as a Service’ (RaaS), is a key element of Renfe’s strategic plan, and the operator plans to launch RaaS next year. A proof of concept trial is underway and will last around three months. Around 500 frequent passengers on the Madrid - Barcelona corridor will test various features such as planning, ticketing and customer service before the platform is launched. RaaS will integrate various modes of public and private transport in an effort to provide better first and last mile connectivity for passengers. The initial test includes Renfe, Cabify, taxi aggregator Karhoo, bus operator EMT, Barcelona Metropolitan Transport (TMB), Madrid Transport Consortium including intercity buses and metro, car park manager Saba, and scooter provider Circa. Renfe is developing the proof of concept alongside Iomob, which won a call from Renfe start-up accelerator TrenLab. Iobob is a software company which combines open source and blockchain technology to create MaaS systems. Alongside the pilot, Renfe will also issue a tender for the development of a project office, along with the development, creation and maintenance of the final platform.
