Mobility Hubs, a lever for more sustainable mobility?
In recent decades, mobility policies and transportation services have evolved rapidly, especially in large and medium-sized cities. Sustainable mobility is now at the core of many public policies, resulting in significant changes in urban infrastructure, amenities, and services. Alongside the continuous improvement of public transport, cities are promoting active modes of transportation and shifting away from private vehicle ownership toward shared mobility. Public-Private Partnerships are also playing a key role in this transition.
Mobility hubs are central to these efforts, bringing together various shared and public transport options as alternatives to private cars. These hubs are seen as a solution to encourage multimodality, walking, cycling, and public transport, while improving accessibility and reducing car dependency. By locating several mobility options in one place, hubs increase the visibility and convenience of sustainable transport.
In the context of proximity and 15-minute city, mobility hubs are particularly relevant, as they ensure that residents can easily access multiple transportation options within a short distance from their homes. This promotes low-emission travel and reduces the need for private car use, aligning with the goals of creating more livable and accessible urban environments.
Mobility hubs not only simplify transit and enhance connectivity but can also be integrated into MaaS (Mobility as a Service) applications, further streamlining access to information, reservations, and payments.
Thus, mobility hubs reflect broader urban mobility policies and offer cities innovative planning tools, particularly within the framework of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), helping to shape more sustainable, interconnected urban areas.