Via ID buys UbiGo, Sweden’s MaaS specialist

UbiGo, the Swedish mobility as a service (MaaS) company, has been bought by Via ID.

Following a successful trial in Gothenburg, UbiGo launched in Stockholm last summer, enabling customers to plan, book and buy tickets for public transport as well as taxis, car sharing services, and car and bike rental via the UbiGo app.

Customers pay a monthly subscription, which delivers a certain number of hours or days of transport to cover the travel needs of a household or business, with multiple users able to access the same account.

Via ID, part of Mobivia, describes itself as a ‘business accelerator’ specialising in mobility services. Its portfolio already includes startups such as car share firm Drivy, bike share specialist Smoove and Klaxit, which enables commuters to share lifts to work. It has now bought a majority stake in UbiGo.

Alexis Hue, Via ID’s venture partner, said, “UbiGo is a pioneer in this market and offers a complete MaaS offer (itinerary, ticketing, payment and booking) with a very operational approach thanks to partnerships with public and private actors.”

Hans Arby, chief executive officer of UbiGo, said there is huge potential for MaaS in major cities that have a population in excess of one million people.

“Europe alone has almost 50 such urban areas,” he said.