In the last few years, there has been a new trend in the world of technology and investments: TaaS. But what is TaaS? What are the technology, stock, and companies behind it? And how can you get involved?
In this article, we will answer all of your questions about TaaS.
What is TaaS?
TaaS is an acronym for 'Transportation as a Service. In general, the term TaaS refers to any form of transportation that is provided on-demand and via a subscription or other type of membership.
Types of TaaS
The most common examples of TaaS are ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. However, the term can also refer to other types of transportation services, such as bike-sharing and car-sharing.
Another form of transportation as a service is delivery services. Such as those provided by companies like FedEx, DoorDash, and Postmates. There are a few key components that make up a TaaS company. First, there is the platform, which is typically a mobile app or website that connects passengers with drivers.
Then there are the vehicles, which can be anything from cars to bicycles. And finally, there is the network of drivers, which is what makes transportation as a service possible. TaaS companies have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of the sharing economy and the ubiquity of smartphones.
Ride-sharing services, in particular, have seen explosive growth: Uber, the largest player in the space, is now available in over 600 cities around the world. The companies behind TaaS are also benefiting from the trends of urbanization and millennials moving to cities.
As more people move to urban areas, the demand for TaaS services is likely to increase. And as millennials become a larger part of the workforce, they are increasingly choosing not to own cars, which is driving up demand for alternative transportation options.
While the concept is still relatively new, it has already gained significant traction in recent years. This is because TaaS can offer several advantages over traditional forms of transportation.
For example, transportation as a service can be more convenient (e.g., you can summon a ride with the click of a button). This convenience is made possible by the use of technology, which is one of the key advantages of TaaS.
Benefits of TaaS companies to consumers
By saving customers the time and hassle of finding a parking spot, TaaS can offer unique benefits. They are more flexible (e.g., you can choose from a variety of transportation options).
The option to ride in a luxury vehicle on one day and an eco-friendly vehicle on another day is appealing to many consumers.
In addition, TaaS companies are often more nimble than traditional transportation companies and can quickly adapt to changing customer needs. Affordability helps the working class (e.g., you don't have to pay for gas or insurance).
For many people, the cost of owning and operating a car is simply too high. TaaS can offer a more affordable alternative, particularly for people who do not drive enough to justify the cost of car ownership.
Finally, transportation as a service returns time to the customer. Instead of stressing out and paying attention to traffic, you can use that time to work, relax, or enjoy the company of your fellow passengers.
Why TaaS is so popular right now
As you can see, there are many reasons why TaaS is gaining popularity. But what does the future hold for this new industry? The answer, in short, is growth.
The TaaS market is expected to grow to $40.1 billion by the year 2027. Which is a huge growth potential as the industry was valued at $3.3 billion in 2021. Given the potential benefits of TaaS, it's not surprising that several startups have entered the space in recent years.
Some of the most well-funded TaaS companies include Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar. It's still early days for the TaaS industry, but it's clear that it has the potential to upend the way we think about transportation. As TaaS companies continue to innovate with technology, we will likely see even more disruptive changes in the years to come.
What is TaaS technology?
From autonomous vehicles to geographic mapping and even retail customer service, TaaS is a broad term that covers a lot of ground.
But at its heart, TaaS is about making technology more accessible and affordable for everyone. There are a few different ways to do this.
One is by offering pay-as-you-go models, so you only pay for what you use.
Another is by using cloud-based services, which can be a more cost-effective way to get access to the latest and greatest technology.
Big data and machine learning is also playing a big role in transportation as a service. By harnessing the power of data, companies can offer more personalized services and make better decisions about where to allocate resources.
It can also help organize drivers and driving locations by using predictive analytics. Another type of technology that this industry uses is edge computing. This is where data is processed at the edge of a network, closer to where it's being collected.
This can help improve performance and reduce latency. Digital payments are another area where TaaS is having an impact. By making it easier to pay for things like rideshare fares, or even parking, we can make our lives a little bit easier.
This contactless payment reduces the need for cash and can even help reduce fraud. Technology that the 'transportation as a service' uses is improving every day. Soon, we'll be able to get from point A to point B without even having to think about it. And that's just the beginning.
AI meets TaaS
Companies such as Tesla are incorporating Artificial intelligence along with big data and machine learning to enhance their services. Although their robo-taxis aren't available yet, it is only a matter of time as technology is improving at an exponential rate.
Their engineers may be able to drive consumer demand as the costs of transportation as a service will be reduced. Not having to pay for drivers is estimated to reduce the cost per mile significantly. Technological innovation fuels the engine of this industry.
It'll be interesting to see how TaaS develops over the next few years as new technologies become widely available.
What is a TaaS stock?
A TaaS stock is a share of a company that is participating in the 'Transportation as a Service' Industry. Some TaaS companies are public, which means you can buy stock in them. This can be a great way to invest in the future of transportation.
Here are a few examples of the best TaaS stocks:
- Uber (UBER)
- Lyft (LYFT)
- FedEx(FD)
- DoorDash (DASH)
These companies are all battling for market share in the growing TaaS market. You can invest in TaaS stocks by buying shares in these companies on the stock market. You can do this through an exchange using a brokerage account.
TaaS stocks are interesting stocks that you may want to keep on your watch list. This is because the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the continued adoption of TaaS services by consumers and businesses alike.
Transportation as a service stocks are typically growth companies and many are not profitable. As a stock investor, you need to be aware of this and make sure you are comfortable with the risks involved.
You can learn more about TaaS stocks by doing your own research or speaking with a financial advisor. If you're thinking about investing in these stocks, make sure you understand the risks involved before making any decisions.
Biggest TaaS companies
When searching for the biggest companies in this industry, there are a few metrics to look at. These are market capitalization and revenue. Tesla would be considered the biggest TaaS stock when compared using these two metrics.
With a market cap of 904.73B and revenue of 53.82 billion USD (2021), Tesla dominates in terms of size. However, their main TaaS proposition is not currently available. Although, they are the clear industry leader in terms of technology and innovation.
It is predicted that their Autonomous robo-taxis will be ready for mass production by 2024. As of right now, they are not technically a TaaS company, here the other biggest companies as of right now:
The biggest TaaS companies by market cap:
- FedEx Stock (53.71B)
- Uber (52.45B)
- DoorDash (25.69B)
- Lyft (7.68B)
The largest TaaS company by revenue (2021)
- FedEx (23.47 billion)
- Uber (17.46 billion)
- DoorDash ($1.3 Billion)
- Lyft (969.93M)
As you can see, the biggest companies in this industry vary depending on the metric you use. This is something to keep in mind when you are researching TaaS stocks. These metrics also do not take into account private companies as these business entities do not have to disclose their financials.
Notable mentions & TaaS potential
Some of the notable companies that have embraced TaaS have found a new 'blue ocean' of opportunity. It is incredible to be able to have transportation as a service on earth. However, some companies are bringing TaaS out of this world. Literally.
Through commercial spaceflight, it can be used to provide access to space for research, tourism, and other purposes. This is the new frontier of transportation. And it's only going to continue to grow. The service of venturing into the stars is a proposition that seems only available in sci-fi fantasies.
These companies are making it a reality. Providing transportation for research purposes opens up B2B (business-to-business) opportunities for TaaS companies. In addition, this can also lead to discoveries and advances in technology that can be used here on earth.
Companies such as pharmaceutical or mining companies may see the benefit of using TaaS to transport samples or resources back and forth from space. The luxury and personal wonder of space tourism is potentially lucrative as well.
Imagine being one of the first humans to visit another planet! This is something that people have been dreaming about for centuries. And now, wealthy individuals can make this dream a reality. As the cost of spaceflight decreases, it is expected that more people will be interested in this experience.
There are many opportunities for TaaS companies to grow and thrive in the coming years. The sky (and beyond) is the limit!
Virgin Galactic Holdings
With a market cap of 1.94B, Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc is not currently one of the biggest companies in this space. However, they are notable for being the first and only publicly-traded company with a license to operate commercial space flights. As the only company with this license, Virgin Galactic has a first-mover advantage in the TaaS industry. They are expected to begin spaceflight operations shortly as Sir Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Galactic) went to space in 2021.
Blue Origin
A key player in making a foray into the TaaS industry. They have been working on a project called Blue Origin. This is their spaceflight services company that has been in development for over 15 years. With Jeff Bezos as the founder, they have the financial backing to continue their work in making spaceflight services a reality.
SpaceX
This company needs no introduction. They are currently the most well-known and respected company in the reusable rockets industry. This technology is essential for the commercial spaceflight industry.
They have been working on their spaceflight services for over a decade and are expected to begin operations soon. This is an exciting time for the TaaS industry as we wait to see how these companies will develop and grow in the coming years.
With new players entering the market and old ones perfecting their TaaS offerings, the industry is sure to develop rapidly. This industry is also constantly evolving, so the companies that are the biggest today, may not be the biggest tomorrow.
This is something to keep in mind if you are thinking about investing in TaaS stocks. We will be keeping an eye on these companies and updating you with any new developments. Make sure to return to this website for the latest news.
Conclusion
As you can see, TaaS is a relatively new concept with a lot of growth ahead. The technology and companies behind it are still in the early stages, but there are already some big players in the space.
With the right mix of innovation and adoption, TaaS could become a major force in the stock market. Only time will tell if the value these companies provide will drive high profits and match the expectations of investors.
For now, keep an eye on the TaaS trend and see where it takes us. If you are invested already, I hope you enjoy the ride.