| Abstract |
The key to achieving the Japanese government’s goal of near net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/carbon neutrality by 2050 is to reduce GHG emissions in the transport and residential sectors, where GHG emissions have been growing even during the Kyoto Protocol commitment periods. In the transport sector, the global shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) has been widespread. In Japan, however, the shift to EVs has been limited, partly because of the lock-in effect of hybrid cars. Another measure to achieve the net-zero GHG emissions goal in the transport sector, rather than the EV shift, is the transition to less GHG-emitting modes of transport in urban areas using ITCs such as mobility as a service (MaaS). This chapter discusses the potential of MaaS as a policy instrument to achieve the net-zero GHG emissions goal. First, a comparison of MaaS projects implemented in smart cities in Japan, Europe, and the United States is made. Then, the chapter identifies socio-economic, legal, and other challenges of Japanese MaaS projects for energy transition in the transport sector. Finally, the policy implications for MaaS are also discussed. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Maciej M. Sokołowski and Fumio Shimpo; individual chapters, the contributors. |
