Enabling two-way communication for shared mobility services: Expert insights from the POLIS tutorial on MDS
MDS (Mobility Data Specification) is an open-source specification that supports the digital management of shared mobility services in the public right-of-way. The fourth module of the POLIS tutorial series on data standards and specifications in urban mobility explored MDS together with POLIS member Open Mobility Foundation (OMF).
On 5 March 2026, POLIS hosted an online Technical Tutorial on Mobility Data Specification (MDS) in partnership with the Open Mobility Foundation (OMF). This was the fourth session of the new tutorial series on data standards and specifications in urban mobility, and it dived into how MDS can support cities to better oversee shared mobility operations, understand trip patterns, and ensure compliance with local rules and regulations.
The tutorial featured insights from OMF Executive Director Andrew Glass Hastings, who introduced MDS and how it can be applied to the digital management of shared mobility services, including micromobility, car sharing, taxi and ride hailing, autonomous vehicles, and sidewalk delivery robots. Lars Ove Kvalbein, Sustainability Advisor for the city of Bergen, brought the real-use case of Bergen, which successfully used MDS to connect with operators and implement data-informed decisions to regulate e-scooters. Pierre Bouffort, Head of Product for Blue Systems, showcased the many use cases, from emergency communications to multi-jurisdictional management.
POLIS members who attended the session gained an introductory understanding of MDS, including its history, scope, and value. They learned about real-world applications in cities, available tools for adoption, open development participation, specific uses for managing emerging mobility like autonomous robotaxis, and insights from European cities and tech companies using MDS.
A factsheet summarising MDS and its benefits is publicly available here.
POLIS members can access the recording and presentation in the Members Area here.
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