Smart Move: Mobile Tech Revolution Spurring Mobility Innovation

Mobile applications have become a crucial part of daily life in Mexico, providing significant benefits in communication, information, and mobility. The rise of social networks, online shopping, banking, and mobility apps in recent years can be attributed to disruptive technologies that have transformed various sectors since the advent of smartphones.

Mexico has witnessed a surge in app sales, ranking eighth worldwide, and is keeping pace with international trends in mobile government solutions, mobile learning, and mobile health, all of which enhance government efficiency, transparency, education, and healthcare.

This revolution in mobile technology owes its success to the widespread adoption of smartphones in Mexico, with a reported 94% of the population using these devices in 2021. According to App Annie's "State of Mobile 2022" report, Mexican users spend an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes daily on mobile apps, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the Google Play Store has over 3.48 million apps focused on mobility, with this number growing in response to the changes in consumer behavior brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has transformed many consumer behaviors, including the preference for digital and contactless payments. According to Kantar's "COVID-19 Barometer," 50% of users in Mexico now prefer to pay with credit, debit, or mobile applications instead of using cash. Another significant change has been the increased importance of the consumer experience, which has become a crucial factor in the decision-making process when acquiring goods or services. After the pandemic, Mexican consumers have also become more concerned about their health and safety, leading to an increase in the demand for products and services related to this sector.

Furthermore, due to the growing use of mobile devices, speed and time have become critical considerations for consumers when purchasing products, paying for services, receiving responses, or traveling. As a result, consumers have modified their purchasing process, opting for online purchases from brands and products that they trust and which they  believe are secure.

Smart cities are a constantly evolving concept that seeks to take advantage of technology to improve the quality of life of citizens, promote sustainability and efficiency in urban management. In Latin America, several cities are adopting this approach and exploring emerging technologies to transform their infrastructure, services and urban systems. Initially, efforts focused on the digitalization of public services and basic infrastructure; however, today, cities are taking a more holistic approach, addressing areas such as urban mobility, energy management, citizen security and citizen participation.

Although mobility in Mexico and Latin America is a complex issue due to inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, an increase in the number of vehicles, and a lack of appropriate regulations in some cases, to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility in cities, comprehensive solutions and a coordinated effort among various actors are needed.

The changes and needs resulting from the current context have led to the demand for new and better ways to move around cities in Mexico. Mobility applications have had a great impact due to the safety and reliability issues facing the country, with Uber and DiDi being popular alternatives to traditional taxis. Kigo-Parkimovil is a Mexican company that has developed an application, which has the same name and is at the forefront of technology. The company has remained relevant to current challenges, especially in mobility management, thanks to its innovative virtual parking meter, parking  digital and access control that  facilitate mobility through cities.

The app has been recognized for its contribution to the environment, in addition to helping its users with travel issues. By reducing paper in parking lots, it offers an eco-friendly solution in the mobility market. In 2022, it won the "Intertraffic Latam Award 2022" in the category of "Products, Services, and/or Solutions" for its successful implementation of virtual parking meters in the city of Puebla. This program boosted the consumption of local businesses, promoted government transparency, and contributed to the organization of the Historic Center. Thus, Kigo-Parkimovil is driving the transformation of cities in Latin America to smart cities.

In Latin America, there are still challenges to overcome in achieving more efficient and sustainable urban management. The smart city model represents an opportunity to build more efficient, habitable, and sustainable cities in the future by using technology and innovation to improve the quality of life of citizens, optimize the use of resources, and reduce environmental impact.

In conclusion, mobility applications have revolutionized the way people move by offering safe, comfortable, and efficient alternatives. However, the issue of mobility in Mexico is complex and requires comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. There are various public and private transportation alternatives, and it is essential that authorities and society work together to promote safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility throughout the country.