An exploratory study of Mobility Hub implementation

Abstract

Mobility Hubs (MH) have been developed, as multimodal interchanges focussed on public transport, active travel modes, and shared mobility, with the aim of encouraging more sustainable forms of travel. There is emergent evidence of MH development and implementation across an increasing number of international cities often with different interpretations of the concept. The aim of this paper is to analyse the decision-making factors behind MH implementation. 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with transport professionals involved with MH implementation in the United States, mainland Europe and the United Kingdom. The interviews revealed common elements in the decision-making process categorised under four headings, namely: Purpose, Process, Place and Performance referred to as the 4 Ps. These are used as explanatory factors to understand the variety of MH implementation globally. Furthermore, they have utility as a decision-making guide for prospective cities considering MH implementation. This enables exploration of how MHs develop and are implemented responding to the specific aims, opportunities, challenges, and contexts of a move from private transport to more active and shared modes of mobility.