METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ZED Digital launches MaaS platform, dubbed ZIG

ZIG takes a wholistic approach to transit system from the collection of data to how it is used to increase ridership.

November 8, 2018
ZED Digital launches MaaS platform, dubbed ZIG

 

3 min to read


ZED Digital (ZED) launched a new Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform called ZIG™. The unique smart mobility platform eases the journey for transit customers, public transit agencies, and smart cities toward a future with more sustainable mobility.

ZIG takes a wholistic approach to transit system from the collection of data to how it is used to increase ridership. The solution streams transportation data to mobile devices much in the same way Netflix streams entertainment. It enables transit customers to view multimodal transportation options that combine bus, rail, ride-share, bike-share, taxis, parking availability, entertainment, landmarks, and other points of interest in one single interface, thereby greatly reducing finger fatigue for customers. It combines a unique Internet of Things (IoT) technology to pay for these multiple services with just a few clicks.

Ad Loading...

“ZIG is the premier tool to bring a complete MaaS solution that includes multimodal trip planning, hands-free ticketing, and payment as well as deep analytics capability to the North American Market. The transit customer can now find real-time transportation options, pay, and board the transit vehicles with their phone in their pocket” said to Sumithra Jagannath, president of ZED Digital.

The public launch of ZIG has been a journey in the making for the past 18 months which began with ZED stumbling into the public transportation by winning a competitive bid to redesign the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) website. Following the successful public launch of the website in September 2017, ZED made it possible for COTA users to view the position of buses, service delays, and alerts in real-time through their mobile devices. This was made possible by ZED’s data aggregation platform, which aggregates and presents data in a personalized manner from multiple data sources that don’t talk to each other.

Since the COTA launch, ZIG has found a much larger use for this data platform, the opportunity to power a larger transformational shift that is just beginning in North America. The company expanded its platform into a full-fledged MaaS platform with multimodal trip planning and integrated payment. Greater Cleveland RTA and TARC in Louisville have since become clients and have started using the MaaS solution and analytics, Jagannath added.

ZIG provides the numerous benefits to riders:

  • Provides seamless payment and travel options for first- and last-mile connections.

  • Streams real-time availability for public transit and shared ride services in a unified interface.

  • Provides options for least cost, minimal connections, fastest, or green transportation modes.

  • Enhanced customer experience when transferring across multiple transportation services.

  • Reduced on-boarding time and ticket validation through hands-free payment process.

Ad Loading...

ZED Digital is a Digital Software Enterprise with offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Jacksonville, and Los Angeles, providing Smart Mobility platforms and apps for transit agencies, smart cities, and transportation companies.

More New Mobility

frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →
A new LexRide vehicle for Lextran's on-demand service.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Kentucky's Lextran Launches LexRide to Enhance Downtown Mobility

LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.

Read More →
Opening art for Sustabinability Partners Q&A
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 25, 2026

Inside EVaaS: A New Model for Airport Fleet Electrification

Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →