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corporatetransport2 · 2 months

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Navigating the New Normal: Employee Transportation Solutions Combined with Space Management Systems and Mobility as a Service

In the wake of the global shift towards the "new normal," businesses are urgently reevaluating their operational strategies to adapt to the changing landscape. Central to these considerations are the ways in which companies manage employee transportation, workspace allocation, and overall mobility. The integration of Employee Transportation, Space Management System, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) stands at the forefront of innovative solutions, offering a cohesive approach to navigating these challenges. This article explores how the synergy of these components can foster a more adaptable, efficient, and sustainable workplace in the context of the new normal.

Employee Transportation: Enhancing Commuter Safety and Efficiency

The pandemic has significantly altered perceptions of public and shared transportation, placing a renewed emphasis on the safety and efficiency of Employee Transportation. Companies are now tasked with providing transportation solutions that not only minimize the risk of exposure but also ensure that employees can commute reliably and efficiently. Tailored Employee Transportation services, such as company shuttles with enhanced safety protocols or partnerships with dedicated transport providers, have become vital. These services not only address health concerns but also demonstrate an employer's commitment to their workforce's well-being, potentially boosting morale and productivity.

Space Management System: Adapting to Flexible Work Arrangements

As businesses adapt to increased remote work and flexible schedules, effective utilization of physical office space has become more critical than ever. Space Management System provide the tools necessary for businesses to optimize their workspace dynamically. These systems allow for real-time monitoring and management of office occupancy, facilitating social distancing, and minimizing unnecessary exposure. By leveraging data from Space Management Systems, businesses can implement flexible hot-desking arrangements, schedule staggered office hours, and redesign office layouts to create safer, more versatile work environments.

Mobility as a Service: Rethinking Corporate Commuting

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) integrates various forms of transportation into a single accessible platform, offering employees personalized commuting options. In the new normal, MaaS can play a pivotal role in rethinking corporate commuting strategies by providing flexible, safe, and efficient transportation alternatives. From on-demand shuttle services and bike-sharing to ride-hailing partnerships, MaaS solutions can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the workforce while supporting sustainability goals. The adaptability of MaaS ensures that businesses can quickly respond to evolving transportation needs and preferences in a post-pandemic world.

The Integrated Approach: Building Resilience in the New Normal

The integration of Employee Transportation, Space Management System, and Mobility as a Service offers a comprehensive strategy for businesses navigating the new normal. This holistic approach enables companies to:

Ensure Employee Safety: By providing safe transportation options and managing workspace occupancy effectively, businesses can protect their employees and comply with health guidelines.

Enhance Operational Flexibility: The combined use of these solutions allows businesses to adapt to fluctuating workforce dynamics and transportation needs, ensuring operational continuity even in uncertain times.

Promote Sustainability: Integrating sustainable transportation options and optimizing workspace usage contribute to environmental sustainability efforts, aligning with broader corporate social responsibility goals.

Foster Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data from integrated transportation and space management solutions empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and anticipate future challenges.

Implementing a Holistic Strategy

To successfully implement a holistic strategy that combines Employee Transportation, Space Management System, and Mobility as a Service, businesses should:

Assess Specific Needs: Conduct a thorough analysis of the company's transportation and workspace requirements in the context of the new normal.

Select Compatible Solutions: Choose solutions that can seamlessly integrate, providing a unified approach to employee transportation, workspace management, and mobility services.

Engage Stakeholders: Involve employees in the decision-making process to ensure the adopted solutions meet their needs and concerns.

Monitor and Adapt: Continuously review the effectiveness of the integrated strategy, using feedback and data to refine and adjust the approach as needed.

Conclusion

As businesses navigate the complexities of the new normal, the integration of Employee Transportation, Space Management System, and Mobility as a Service offers a forward-thinking approach to addressing transportation, workspace, and mobility challenges. By embracing these solutions, companies can enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of their operations, building resilience in an ever-changing landscape. The successful adaptation to the new normal requires a commitment to innovation, flexibility, and the well-being of the workforce, principles that are embodied in the synergy of these transformative solutions.

#Employee Transportation #Space Management System #Mobility as a service

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marketreports123 · 6 months

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Mobility-as-a-Service (Maas) Market Size, Share, Industry Trends, Forecast and Growth Prospective 2023-2027

Analyzing the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) market involves examining the trends, dynamics, and factors that impact this rapidly evolving sector. Mobility-as-a-Service refers to the integration of various transportation services into a single, accessible, and user-centric platform. This analysis can help businesses, investors, and policymakers make informed decisions. Here are key components to consider in a Mobility-as-a-Service market analysis:

Market Size and Growth:

Determine the current market size in terms of revenue, users, and geographic coverage.

Analyze historical growth trends and forecast future expansion.

Market Segmentation:

Categorize MaaS offerings into different segments, such as ride-sharing, public transit integration, car rental, and micro-mobility solutions.

Understand the market share of each segment.

Market Drivers and Challenges:

Identify the factors that drive the growth of Mobility-as-a-Service, including urbanization, traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences.

Recognize challenges such as regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, and competition with traditional transportation modes.

User Behavior and Preferences:

Analyze user preferences and behavior regarding MaaS platforms, including pricing models, service reliability, and convenience.

Consider the impact of changing consumer attitudes towards vehicle ownership and sustainability.

Competitive Landscape:

Identify key players in the MaaS industry, including established providers, startups, and tech companies.

Assess the competitive strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of major MaaS service providers.

Technology and Innovation:

Stay updated on technological advancements, including app features, data analytics, route optimization, and integration with emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and IoT.

Regulatory Environment:

Investigate relevant regulations, standards, and policies that affect the MaaS market, such as licensing, data privacy, and safety regulations.

Understand how regulatory changes impact the industry.

Partnerships and Alliances:

Examine the partnerships between MaaS providers and transportation operators, local governments, and other stakeholders.

Evaluate how collaboration and integration affect the market's growth.

Regional and Global Markets:

Assess the MaaS market on a global scale and compare it to regional markets.

Recognize regional variations in infrastructure, consumer demand, and regulatory frameworks.

Social and Environmental Impact:

Analyze the societal and environmental benefits of MaaS, such as reduced congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improved accessibility for underserved communities.

SWOT Analysis:

Conduct a SWOT analysis for the Mobility-as-a-Service industry, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Market Forecast:

Make informed predictions about the future of the MaaS market, considering factors like technological advancements, government policies, and shifts in urban planning.

Integration with Public Transit:

Explore how MaaS integrates with public transit systems and its role in improving overall urban mobility.

In conclusion, a comprehensive Mobility-as-a-Service market analysis involves a holistic examination of the industry, considering market size, segmentation, drivers, challenges, consumer behavior, competition, technology, and regulation. This analysis is vital for understanding the potential of MaaS and its role in reshaping urban mobility and transportation services.

For more insights on the market analysis Download PDF Sample now!

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com

#mobility as a service

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automotiveera · 9 months

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Mobility as a Service Market: Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast

As stated by a market research firm, P&S Intelligence, the total size of the mobility-as-a-service market was USD 128,489.2 million in 2021, and it will power at a rate of 16.8% in the years to come to reach USD 519,697.5 million by 2030.

The daily commuting category was the largest and it will grow at the highest growth rate, of over 17%. The growth of this category can be credited to the growing requirement for shared mobility services amongst students and young professionals, for meeting their daily commutation requirements.

Moreover, numerous initiatives aimed at plummeting the private vehicle count on roads will encourage the use of shared mobility amongst people.

Car dominated the mobility-as-a-service market in the recent past. The early initiation of car rental and carsharing services is the main factor behind the domination of the industry.

To receive free sample pages of this report@ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/maas-market/report-sample

Furthermore, the advanced value chain and governing support in numerous nations have supported the requirement for carsharing and car rental services.

The electric propulsion category will have the highest growth rate of more than 40%, in the years to come, because of the increasing requirement for necessity for electrification of transport systems.

Furthermore, the market is quickly integrating EVs, since the requirement for EVs has increased all over the world.

The pay-as-you-go payment type had the largest share of revenue. People choose to pay once while availing the services, as a result of their budget constraints. A customer is not required to commit to an agreed plan and gets charged on a yearly or monthly basis by making use of this payment model.

MaaS used for personal use had a larger share, and this category will grow at a higher growth rate in the in the future. Most of the customers utilize shared mobility services for personal work, including transportation to the workplace, running errands for example undertaking short trips such as accompanying somebody to the airport.

APAC dominated the market with approximately, 40% share. China is the largest market for shared mobility services. In 2021, numerous Chinese cities increased the use of electric vehicles across several service platforms, for promoting a greener environment. With incessant government support in the form of incentives and policies, China will experience robust growth in the years to come.

#Mobility as a Service #MaaS #Transportation Solutions #Market Trends #Technology #Seamless Travel #Integrated Mobility

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submonitor · 10 months

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Buseet, a promising mobility startup that got tossed under the (micro)bus of a giant competitor, or a textbook example of gross fleet mismanagement?

Caption: Buseet had a lot of promising services, making it a comfier ride to a regular microbus. Credit: Buseet Egypt Instagram page.

Full disclosure: Several attempts were made to reach out to Amr ElSawy - CEO of Buseet Egypt - through various channels of communication. At some point, we even agreed to have a zoom chat after last Eid. However Eid came and went by without any response or concrete answer from ElSawy.

Not wanting to keep this story away from the readers’ eyes for too long, I have decided to move ahead and publish this article, and will post an update if ElSawy or any representative on his behalf sends in a comment or statement in response to this article.

Writing about public transport projects in Egypt is not particularly a happy task. On many occasions one feels the need to applaud the fact that a metro or high speed rail is being built in cities dominated by car traffic. However, the devil lies in the details and the little fine print on where the stations are placed and intermodal integration etc.

However, writing this article about Buseet has been one of the most depressing acts of writing about transit and mobility in Egypt.

In 2016, after Buseet’s buses began to sprawl the city’s streets, many spectators particularly in the startup scene speculated that it would end up being one of the most promising startups in the MENA region. Now, according to multiple sources both in the transport and startups sectors, the CEO and founder Amr El-Sawy is preparing to dissolve the company and has already moved to Dubai on a new endeavor. As mentioned earlier, multiple attempts were made to seek comments or any statements from the former CEO Buseet, in vain.

Where did things go wrong?

Multiple sources, who asked their identities to be withheld, said that Buseet simply did not have enough passengers using their buses on a regular basis, which meant they could not cover the costs of their daily operations, despite the growing demand for the service Buseet provided.

One source, who was close to multiple employees and the founder of the company, said that Buseet had a high rate of running costs mainly because they neither owned their microbuses, nor did they actually hire full time drivers to operate them. Buseet’s business model relied on making use of existing tourist bus companies that were experiencing a slump of demand due to the decline of tourism following the events of January 25th 2011 and onwards, and outsourcing the operations to them.

While initially lucrative, this left them vulnerable to the fluctuations of market rates of microbus rentals, particularly that the Tourism industry in Egypt picked up and demand on tourist bus companies rose back up in 2018, jeopardizing Buseet’s operations.

Another factor that led to Buseet’s decline was the lack of fleet and human power to achieve a sufficient enough frequency that would then incentivize passengers to change their daily commuting habits, and pick Buseet as their daily commute. In addition, Buseet - despite not having a significant fleet - cast a wide web of routes across Greater Cairo, leading them to stretch their availability slim by having a very limited schedule, offering on many routes only 2 trips a day.

While Swvl - Buseet’s arch nemesis - had a gigantic fund, and therefore could afford to lose a ton loads of money while continuing to gain a consumer base, Buseet had not been able to raise more than 3.7 million USD in 6 rounds of funding (Crunchbase - a, n.D). Swvl on the other hand got 254 million USD in only 8 rounds of funding (Crunchbase - b, n.D). Such an amount is not insignificant, yet Buseet seems to have gone around spending the amount running empty microbuses that people did not have incentives to ride due to lack of flexible scheduling and frequency.

Caption: Mohamed Neamatalla’s post on Buseet’s facebook wall, thanking them for their qualitatively much better service and customer service than Swvl, its main competitor.

Credit: Mohamed Neamatalla - Facebook, 2020.

The lack of a reliable fleet, coupled with an overambitious yet under-staffed network of routes, led to few passengers picking up rides with Buseet, despite it providing a qualitatively better service than its main competitor, Swvl. For instance, Swvl prioritized more profitable journeys over less popular ones, leading them to sporadically canceling trips booked by customers and simply refunding them or giving them credit on their account. On the other hand, Buseet honored its routes, even if only there was 1 person per journey. That racked up the costs of operations and ate away at Buseet’s already fragile finances.

Caption: Screen shot of Buseet's instagram account January 25, 2017, showing a buseet route going from ElSherouk, Madinity, Rehab to Mohandiseen. Only two trips a day, one leaving ElSherouk heading to Mohandiseen in the morning, and another trip returning from Mohandiseen in the afternoon.

Credit: Buseet Egypt Instagram account - January 2017.

Ironically, honoring routes and journeys would have been the more sound policy in comparison to what Swvl does. However, Buseet did not have the money to keep these journeys going, nor did they consolidate their minimal fleet on a single route/a handful of routes to achieve maximum frequency and increase the ridership of their buses.

Having a somewhat expensive price per journey in comparison to a regular microbus, without the frequency of a regular microbus route might have been the most lethal element to Buseet’s operations. Consolidating its fleet operations on to 1 or 2 routes where no other competition operates and running a much more frequent service would have generated the ridership they needed to be able to not only stay afloat, but also gain a wider customer base that would support them and use their services in any future expansion of Buseet’s network.

Caption: A rare example of a Buseet route with more than 2 trips a day: Sheikh Zayed-6th of October city to Maadi. 6 trips a day. Focusing more fleet and service on such routes, and reducing costs by making sure the route overall covers its costs, by using revenue from crowded trips to cover costs of less crowded trips could have helped Buseet stay afloat.

Credit: Buseet Egypt Instagram account - January 2017.

Not to mention that Buseet banked on so called Business to Business (B2B) operations, which for a while brought in some desperately needed cash, up until COVID 19 hit and caused many of these companies to ask their employees to work from home, and therefore canceling their contracts with Buseet. Another element that is related and has had an impact on Buseet, is the lack of secure cash flow for the business, and having to chase client companies to pay their dues in time. That made Buseet always strapped for cash.

And while Swvl might have survived (for now) due to its unfathomable ability to fundraise and even having enlisted on the NASDAQ index (Wamda News 2022), Buseet lost this battle not only because it kept its eyes on the (unsustainable) operations of their main competitor, but also it put all its eggs in the basket of B2B operations, which got blown away by the COVID 19 pandemic.

The fatal blow was their inability to read the mobility situation of Greater Cairo, or learn from how regular microbus routes have actually managed to achieve such great success (in a much more hostile environment in comparison to what Buseet had on its side). Frequency and a wise fleet management could have been the saving grace of Buseet, but the lack of them thereof has led to their demise.

Unfortunately this is a shame and a great loss to the mobility mix of Greater Cairo. It seems like so far, CTA buses and the Microbus routes of Cairo will remain the most robust mode of transit to achieve the missing first mile and last mile links to the metro network, alongside some of Swvl’s and Uber’s vehicles. In fact, Swvl has been able to secure a contract with the Ministry of Transport, to provide “first mile/last mile” services to and from the planned Cairo BRT station (Zawya 2023). Will Swvl be able to survive and stay afloat in a sphere that is narrowing by the day, and consolidating into other mega startups like Uber? This is a question for another post.

Related links and sources:

Instagram. (n.d.). Buseet Egypt. https://www.instagram.com/buseeteg/

Facebook. (n.d.). Buseet. Buseet Egypt. https://www.facebook.com/buseeteg

Farid, D. (n.d.). Is Egypt finally ready for ride-sharing?. Wamda. https://www.wamda.com/memakersge/2017/04/egypt-finally-ready-for-ride-sharing

Crunchbase. Buseet - funding, financials, valuation & investors. Crunchbase. (n.d.-a). https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/buseet/company_financials

Crunchbase. SWVL - funding, financials, valuation & investors. Crunchbase. (n.d.-b). https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/swvl/company_financials

Wamda News. SWVL debuts on Nasdaq, sets initial offer price at $9.95 per share. Wamda. (2022, March 31). https://www.wamda.com/2022/03/swvl-debut-nasdaq-sets-initial-offer-price-10

Zawya. (2023, June 8). SWVL obtains 1st license in Egypt to operate Smart Transport. ZAWYA. https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/north-africa/swvl-obtains-1st-license-in-egypt-to-operate-smart-transport-fu42kl2s

#cairo #Buseet #MOAS #mobility as a service market #mobility as a service #nasdaq #Startups #Swvl

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hate-kill-repeat · 1 year

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revamped design with all of my disabled keith haring style dancin' guys all together, updated to include the yellow power chair user ~

ID in alt text

#cripple punk #keith haring #disabled dancers #cane user #wheelchair user #service dog #rollator #forearm crutches #electric wheelchair #mobility aids

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allthecanadianpolitics · 4 months

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Even as the minister responsible admitted there aren't enough competitive options for mobile service in Canada, another federal official said consumers can and should search for other service providers when faced with price increases. That message — from Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada — came just hours after the Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Canadians "still pay too much and see too little competition" for cellular services. "Customers could consider switching service providers," an ISED Canada representative wrote Thursday, when asked for a response to price increases at Rogers Communications and reported hikes at Bell.

Tagging @politicsofcanada

#cdnpoli #canada #canadian politics #canadian news #monopolies #mobile service #mobile service providers

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eldritch-thrumming · 1 year

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When witches turn eighteen years old, it’s customary for them to be sent out into the world, to practice their magic and find their calling. So when Eddie Munson’s birthday passes in July, he packs a suitcase, says goodbye to his Uncle Wayne—the best garden witch in the tri-county area, ask anyone!—zips his cat into the neck of his leather jacket (whom he’d cleverly named Kitty when he was six years old), climbs on his broom, and sets off for the city on the coast.

Once he gets there, Eddie’s not entirely sure where to go. He’s never actually been to the city before, but he’d heard so many stories—from classmates and friends, from travelers passing through his small town who’d come searching for Wayne’s recipes, from the witches who returned after their year-long apprenticeships—that he’d known since he was thirteen that he had to see it for himself. He wanders the cobblestone streets with his broom and his bag and marvels at the crowds. He watches a magician perform on the street—doesn’t miss it when he slips a card up his sleeve or shifts a coin through his fingers, but it still makes him smile—before he stumbles onto a ‘help wanted’ sign in a shop window. Kitty lets out a tiny meow from where she’s tucked under Eddie’s chin, like she’s trying to get his attention. Eddie glances down at her and she shifts her gaze from his face to the sign and back again.

“Alright, I hear ya,” Eddie murmurs, grinning and cupping a hand over her head for a quick pet.

A tiny bell jingles overhead as Eddie pushes open the front door. Immediately, he’s met with the smell of baking bread and sugary frosting. He breathes deep, giving Kitty another pat on her head. He stands at the counter for a moment before a boy around his age appears from the back room.

“Hi, welcome to The Bakery. What can I help you with?” The boy is grinning wide, wiping his flour-covered hands on his apron. He’s got soft brown hair and eyes to match. Eddie meets his gaze and feels himself blush.

“Um, you have a ‘help wanted’ sign in your window?” Eddie hooks his thumb over his shoulder, gesturing at the sign.

“Oh! Yeah, we just put that up today actually. We’re looking for a delivery person,” the boy is still grinning, eyeing Eddie’s broom. “I’m Steve.” He holds out his hand over the counter for Eddie to shake.

“Eddie.” Steve’s hand is surprisingly soft when Eddie shakes it.

“The job comes with a room over the bakery, our hours are from 6am to 5pm every day but Thursday, and we’d like you to start immediately.”

“Oh, um. Just like that?”

Steve grins again. “I may not be smart, but even I know not to turn away a witch when one comes knocking.” He knocks his knuckles against the wooden counter and Eddie returns his smile. “Come on, I’ll show you the room.” Steve turns to head back the way he came and Eddie takes a moment to look down at Kitty. She blinks at him, all-knowing, and it makes Eddie blush again. He rolls his eyes and sticks his tongue out at her before following behind Steve.

He follows Steve out the bakery’s back door and up a set of wooden stairs that lead from the garden to a small deck, where Steve pulls a key from his pocket and unlocks one of the two doors. He gestures for Eddie to step through the doorway before following behind him.

“The room is furnished, there’s a small stove there in the corner with a sink and a washroom just over there,” Steve gestures to a door on the opposite wall from the tiny bed. “My apartment’s the next door over and I have a full kitchen, which you’re welcome to use if you need to. Here’s your key,” Steve drops the warm piece of metal into Eddie’s palm, “and I’ll have the spare key to my place and the bakery for you tomorrow. Make yourself at home and head down to the bakery tomorrow morning.” Steve pats him on the shoulder before heading back out of the tiny room and down into the bakery.

Eddie is left to do nothing but blink at the empty space Steve had left behind. He’s not entirely sure what just happened, but he’s pretty sure he’s landed both a job and a place to stay. Not bad for his first day in the city.

~*~

A year passes and Eddie is happy. He writes to Wayne and tells him all about Steve and the recipes he tries out in the bakery. Tells Wayne that he suspects that Steve might have some witch blood he doesn’t know about; the things he can do with buttercream are pure magic. Eddie visits Wayne once for his birthday—it’s a long way by broom—weighed down by pastries and cakes that Steve insists he take home with him.

Eddie starts to learn the landscape of the city, learns when to fly over the coastline and when to keep tight to the city streets. He makes his own posters, starts to do some deliveries after hours too, which leads him to meet all sorts of interesting people. He meets artists and performers, writers and teachers, even the man who services the big clock at the center of the city (which Eddie finds particularly impressive).

He spends time with Steve. Steve is funny and smart, despite what he’d said the first day Eddie had met him. He can cook, not just bake, and he insists that Eddie joins him for dinner at least three nights a week. At first, Eddie had tried to say no to Steve’s invitations, thinking that Steve was just being polite, but Steve had insisted and Eddie realized that Steve was actually pretty lonely. He wasn’t from the city and he didn’t have much family; he’d come here when his parents had died. He’d apprenticed with an older woman named Claudia, who’d left the bakery to him when she’d retired not too long ago. Steve’s eyes go soft whenever he mentions her. Her son, Dustin, still helps them around the bakery three days a week, counting down the days until he leaves for university (he only ever relays the amount of days and Eddie’s pretty bad at math, but by his count, Dustin’s still got about three years to go).

Steve also talks about his best friend, Robin, who’s away at art school. Steve is hoping when she comes back in the spring, she’ll work at the bakery decorating the cakes. Eddie’s surprised to learn that Robin is also a witch; he hadn’t known many witches to go to art school.

The year passes in dinners and picnics, in deliveries and odd jobs, and when spring is finally turning over into summer again, Robin arrives home to the bakery.

“Stevie!” A voice calls from the front of the shop, scratchy and warm, drowning out the jingle of the bell. Eddie is sat on the counter in the back room, completely entranced by the way Steve’s arm muscles jump under his skin as he kneads bread dough. He’s barely listening to some story Steve’s telling about something Dustin had done the other day.

Eddie watches as Steve stops what he’s doing completely. “Robbie?” A smile spreads across Steve’s face, quick and involuntary. He doesn’t even pause to wipe his hands before he’s rushing into the front of the shop. Eddie watches through the door as a pretty girl with short blond hair throws her arms around Steve’s neck. He lifts her off the ground, spinning her around, leaving flour fingerprints across the back of her navy t-shirt.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming today?” Steve asks when he’s finally returned her to an upright position on her own two feet.

“Because then it wouldn’t have been a surprise, dingus.” She pokes a finger into his ribs and he half-heartedly tries to shove her away.

Watching them, Eddie feels something tighten in his chest that he can’t quite explain. He knows this is Robin—he’s seen pictures of her before—knows she’s Steve’s best friend, but this is more than mere friendship. This is something else entirely. Something magic. Eddie’s a good witch. He knows true love when he sees it.

“You have to meet Eddie,” Steve says before calling through the doorway, “Eddie, come meet Robin!”

Eddie hops off the counter and does as he’s told.

~*~

A few weeks later, Eddie wakes with a pounding headache. There’s a breeze coming through his window off the coast and it makes him shiver. He coughs and looks around for Kitty, but she isn’t curled in her usual spot on his pillow. Eddie sniffles.

He pulls himself from his bed and feels dizzy. He washes his face and drinks some orange juice before he heads down to the bakery.

“Wow, you look awful,” Robin says by way of greeting. She grimaces as he comes through the doorway.

“Gee thanks,” Eddie grumbles half-heartedly in her direction. His voice sounds heavy and hoarse.

Steve crosses the room from where he stands in front of the ovens and presses the back of his hand to Eddie’s forehead. “Eddie, you’re burning up. You should go back to bed. I’ll bring you soup later.” He pushes Eddie in the direction of the back door.

“But the deliveries,” Eddie mumbles, eyes already half closing as he dreams of getting back into his sleep-warm bed.

Steve smiles softly. “Don’t worry. Robin and Dustin can handle it.” Eddie glances behind Steve at Robin, who nods at Eddie reassuringly.

“Okay.” Eddie’s voice is a whisper and then he’s stumbling back up the stairs and falling into his bed. He wonders again where Kitty’s run off to.

~*~

Eddie is in and out of consciousness for three days. He has strange dreams, some of them nightmares where monsters chase after him as he tries to fly away on his broom; others are about Steve and Robin and even Dustin, good dreams of the life he’s made here for himself.

Steve keeps his promise and brings him soup every day, helping Eddie sit up against his pillows and even helping Eddie spoon the broth into his mouth. Eddie thinks he maybe should be a little embarrassed about it, but it’s so nice and comforting that he can’t. It reminds him of home, of recipes from Wayne’s garden.

Robin comes to sit with him on the second night, stroking his hair and humming lullabies while he drifts off.

On the third day, when Eddie is starting to feel better, Kitty finally reappears. Eddie asks her where she’d run off to, but she doesn’t answer. She’s been keeping secrets lately.

~*~

After three days, Eddie finally returns to work. Steve gives him the first delivery, tells him Dustin and Robin can continue to help out, just for a few days, so Eddie doesn’t overexert himself. Eddie nods.

He ties the tiny pastry box to the handle of his broom and mounts it on the sidewalk outside. He kicks off from the cobblestones. Nothing happens. Flying had always come easily to Eddie. It was second nature to him, something he never really had to think about. Not all witches could fly, but Eddie can’t really remember a time when he couldn’t.

He tries to kick off from the sidewalk again. Again, nothing happens. Eddie can feel the panic rise in his chest. He swallows, tries again. Still nothing.

He hears himself let out a small whimper and he’s glad Steve’s gone back inside and can’t hear him. He glances through the shop window and sees Robin’s clever eyes watching him. She meets his gaze. He can see the naked concern there. He swallows again.

He climbs off the broom and unties the package. He carries both as he re-enters the bakery.

“Something’s wrong,” he says to Robin and Steve.

“What do you mean?” Steve asks coming out of the back room again.

“Dunno,” Eddie replies. “Broom’s broken or something. Can’t fly.” He shakes the broom in his hand.

“Does that happen?” Steve’s brow furrows. Eddie shrugs.

“Maybe you’re still sick,” Robin says. “You should go back to bed. Try again in a few days.”

“Yeah. Maybe.” Eddie looks down at his feet. He passes the box to Robin and then decides she’s right. Decides he should go back to bed.

“Don’t worry, Eddie,” Steve says, reassuringly. “It’ll pass. Robin and Dustin can keep doing the deliveries for a little while.”

~*~

Eddie’s magic doesn’t come back. It’s not just the flying either. Kitty stays away longer. Eddie finds himself misunderstanding her more often than not. He keeps messing up simple cleaning spells and the easy home remedies he’s been brewing since before he can remember.

He takes his broom out every night and under the cover of darkness tries and tries and tries again. Sometimes he feels eyes watching him from Steve’s apartment, but when he glances up, all he can see is the flutter of curtains.

~*~

After three weeks of a miserable, magic-less existence, Robin knocks on the door of Eddie’s small room.

“Wanna talk?” She asks from the doorway.

Eddie considers saying no. Instead he nods and gestures toward his small kitchen table. She sits.

“I saw you practicing,” she says, diving right in.

“Yeah.” Eddie doesn’t try to deny it or even play dumb and ask what she means. She’s a witch. She’ll know. “Flying used to be like breathing. I didn’t even notice I was doing it half the time. Think I learned to fly before I could even walk. Now it’s all I think about. Feels like something’s missing now, like my lungs or, like, a part of my heart or something.”

Robin nods, knowing. “That happened to me, you know. Lost my magic. Felt like I lost an arm.”

Eddie swallows. “What helped get it back?”

“I met Steve,” she says softly, a fond smile playing around the corners of her lips. “I left home earlier than other witches. I never really fit in. I wanted to go to school. Didn’t know if I even wanted to practice my magic at all. My parents said if I stuck it out, I could leave when I was fourteen. So I did. I waited and counted the days and finally it was time. Spent a year in the city. I loved it. But then, one of my friends… something happened to her.” Robin looks sad and twists her fingers together, fidgeting. “She had to leave the city. When she left, I got really sick. Couldn’t do magic for almost a year.”

“A year?” Eddie asks, mouth hanging open. “I can’t not fly for a whole year.”

Robin hums. “You figure it out. You have to. Some days it’s more noticeable than others.”

“But you met Steve. And you got your magic back?” Eddie prompts.

“Yeah. It’s like that saying, you know the one? ‘True love makes the best magic.’” She says it like she’s said it a hundred thousand times before.

Eddie grumbles. “Don’t think I’m gonna fall in love and magically fix my flying problem.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“I didn’t say anything about falling in love.” Robin smiles again, big and bright this time. “There’s more than one kind of true love.”

~*~

Eddie thinks about what Robin had said to him for days. He turns it over in his mind again and again and again.

He starts laying out treats for Kitty. He misses her. Even before he got sick and lost his magic, he’d started to leave her behind more and more on his deliveries. He’d realized he could fly faster without worrying about her falling from inside his jacket.

She’s hesitant, but she starts coming back more. When they sleep, she returns to her place on Eddie’s pillow and Eddie feels good with the soft, warm weight of her next to his head as he slowly drifts into sleep.

Before he’d gotten sick, he’d taken on too many deliveries. He’d stopped having time to chat with the customers, to hear the little stories of their lives, of cleaning the clock tower at the center of town or a new plot point one of the writers had just figured out. He’d missed hearing the explanations of what celebrations he was delivering cupcakes or tarts or heart-shaped cakes for. Delivering on foot gave him a lot more time to stop and watch the street performers, to help tourists with directions. On foot, Eddie began to appreciate the city again, like he had before, when he’d first gotten here. When it felt like he’d been dropped right into the center of a dream realized.

He starts having more dinners with Robin and Steve. He’d stopped doing it so much, not wanting to feel like a wonky third wheel. But they slot him in right next to them, right in the middle. They fill him in on inside jokes and old stories. Sometimes Dustin joins them and Eddie tells stories of Wayne and the strange people who used to appear on their doorstep in search of some of his magic.

Eddie starts to feel happy again.

~*~

A week after he talked to Robin, Eddie brings his broom out into the center of the street. It’s close to dusk, the sun low in the sky, and the bakery is closed for the day. Steve, Robin, and Dustin stand shoulder to shoulder on the sidewalk, waiting.

Eddie breathes deep. He swallows. Breathes again. And then he mounts his broom like he has a million times before. He grips the polished handle. He feels it thrum beneath his fingertips. He takes another deep breath, closes his eyes, and kicks off from the cobblestones.

There’s a strange sort of hush to the street. Eddie can’t tell if he’s in the air. He squints an eye open and sees Steve, Robin, and Dustin waving up at him. He can’t help the grin that spreads across his face. He lets out a shout.

He does a few circles around, just above their heads, while they all scream and clap for him. Eddie can’t help but laugh. He’d missed this.

When he finally lands, they all rush to hug him. Dustin lets go first and then Steve.

Robin’s arms are still around him when she whispers into his ear, low enough so only he can hear it. “See? True love magic.” Eddie smiles again and gives her one last tight squeeze before letting go.

Dustin and Robin head back inside, leaving Steve and Eddie to stare at each other in the empty street. Steve is still grinning, his hands in his pocket.

“How’s it feel?” Steve nods toward the broom.

“Feels like breathing,” Eddie tells him, closing the space between them. Steve’s cheeks flush and Eddie doesn’t miss the way his eyes flick from Eddie’s gaze down to his lips and back again. Steve licks his own lips. “Feels like home.”

Steve is breathing a little harder now as Eddie continues to slowly close the distance between them.

“Feels like magic,” Eddie whispers, before he brushes his lips against Steve’s. He pulls back slightly. “Feels like love.” Steve’s hand comes up to curl around the back of Eddie’s neck, pulling Eddie in close for a real and proper kiss, right there in the empty street, under the setting sun.

now on ao3 :)

(For @outpastthebrakers for commenting on the post where I mentioned this!!!! Warning: this was fully written under the influence of a sleeping pill in abt an hour and a half. Don’t hold that against me :P)

#steddie fic #steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie fanfic #steddie fanfiction #steddie ficlet #stobin #platonic stobin #Eddie munson is a witch #Robin buckley is a witch #Robin buckley #Kiki’s delivery service au #steddie au #steddie fluff #sorry abt not putting a read more I still can’t figure it out on mobile despite 3000 of you trying to explain. it to me #I’m too exhausted to fix it rn literally abt to pass out as we speak

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