The last-mile commute challenge is faced by delivery services and the everyday commuter alike. Enhancing last-mile commute with IoT (Internet of Things) can simplify these challenges with the help of connected devices.
Public transportation doesn’t often provide last-mile solutions. People have to look for alternatives to reach their workplace in the morning and when they return home after a long tiring day at work. Research shows that about 143 million Americans, aged 16 and above, commute daily. The last mile is a serious issue as it increases the financial costs for commute, causes delays, and increases the time required for commute while also being inconvenient, especially during the rainy seasons or chilly winters. A potential solution to this last-mile challenge can be IoT. IoT is already transforming public transportation and it can be applied to make the last-mile commute even more comfortable.
Connected last-mile commute with IoT
Connected IoT devices can be leveraged to make the daily commutes more comfortable. These solutions also decrease the overall spending on transportation while proving to be an environmental-friendly option.
Connected ride-sharing options
Connected bicycles can prove to be the best IoT solution for the last-mile commute. Companies have already started providing connected bike-sharing options to citizens. Users can track the availability of bikes, usage, and trip details in real-time. This creates a connected community where commuters can plan their travel to be more efficient. The only hurdle faced by connected bike-sharing services is their integration in today’s vehicular traffic. Governments must ensure that they have dedicated lanes for bike riders so that the traffic flow is smooth.
Connected electric scooters, too, are available for rent at certain locations. Some companies even provide free helmets to users of their electric scooters, albeit at a small shipping cost. These businesses are working towards a better future for our planet by providing alternative commuting options.
Taxi commuting apps are already popular among the current generation. Many commuters are opting for taxi services like Uber and Lyft for their commuting needs instead of a private vehicle. These taxi services provide the option of sharing the vehicle between multiple riders on the same route. This is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option when compared to single user rides. These companies sit on a ton of data that can be monitored and analyzed to enhance taxi sharing services further. They can work in a way similar to public transportation but provide a complete commute solution to users, unlike most public transport solutions.
IoT solutions are beginning to solve the puzzle of the last mile commute. However, the answer doesn’t lie in the devices but comes from the data that these devices collect. The data collected from these devices need to be shared and analyzed by private players and governments alike to further improve transportation choices for citizens. IoT can prove to be the key to find gaps in our current transportation systems and help fill them. Connected cars, taxis, and bikes are here to stay, and will only increase in number with time. We might not only see a future of last-mile commute with IoT but IoT solutions taking care of all our transportation needs in general.
