Multimodality: the technology behind

There is no future for multimodal travel without technology.

New consumer behaviors and the rise of digitalization are changing the way travelers plan, book and behave during their journey. Communication between the key players of the travel industry will only be achieved with technology.

Only technology can connect rail to air, bus, metro and bikes to create a true door-to-door journey. Technology is already supporting initiatives that help rail operators effectively integrate into the travel ecosystem and at the same time differentiate their offer and brand from the competition – watch the video below about the All Ways Traveling consortium and other multimodal initiatives.

In addition to linking transport modes, technology gives customers the possibility to book, pay and get their ticket in one place using the device and channel of their choice! Conversion of multimodal journey plans into purchased trip entitlements is a lot higher, and so is your efficiency and customer satisfaction.  

When things don’t go as planned, in the case of delays or interruption of services for example, technology has a key role to play. With a true collaboration and alignment of the technology systems it becomes easy to provide on-trip information, advice and re-accommodation to the traveler.

New technologies, such as mobile and contact-less credit cards, are helping consumers navigate through the multimodal travel cycle. The European transport and tourism sector is placing its hopes upon this new strategy in order to strengthen competitiveness, facilitate mobility, and reduce carbon emissions as well as to identify a clearer picture of the current volume of multimodal connections in Europe. 

There is a need for technology and collaboration to understand how to use the huge amount of data in order to improve the customer experience. This can only be achieved with all key industry players working together globally.

A connected travel future across Europe requires more than just one individual player, working with key players in the travel industry and beyond this is becoming a reality.

Today, Amadeus is working with the European Union and other travel players to make travel across Europe using various means of transport easy. We're leading a consortium that is creating the vision of multimodal transport for a more connected travel future.

Svend Leirvaag, VP of Industry Affairs, discusses the current state of multimodal travel, and our role here at Amadeus as an enabler of multi and intermodal travel.