Mobility hubs are places that integrate transit, walking, and bicycling with other services and amenities like bike share, car share, scooter share, parcel pick up and drop off and other services and amenities. The hubs are tailored to the needs of people in the community who do not use a privately owned vehicle, do not drive (about a quarter of Washington’s population), and need first- and last-mile transit connections.
Key characteristics
Other names
- Mobility station or point
- Mobihub
- (public) ride point
- Smart station
- Sharing zone/share point
- Transportation center
- Public transit or transport hub
- Transport interchange
- Ride port
Strategy description
A mobility hub is a centralized location where transit, walking and bicycling converge with other options like on-demand bikes, scooters, and cars.. Mobility hubs can also include amenities like package pick up and drop off, parking, paratransit pick up and drop off, information and ticketing kiosks, restrooms, bike repair stations, and community spaces. The primary goal of mobility hubs is to enable increased use of sustainable modes of transportation, thereby improving mobility and access for all, enhancing safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
When to use this strategy
Mobility hubs are typically developed in areas with high levels of transportation activity, such as busy intersections, areas with high pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and areas with dense commercial and housing activity.
Benefits:
- Increased accessibility because mobility hubs provide better access to multiple transportation options within a single location
- Reduced traffic congestion because mobility hubs provide alternative transportation modes like public transit and bike-share, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road.
- Improved air quality because increased use of public transit and biking reduces air pollution from cars
- Increased economic activity because increased foot traffic can create new business opportunities and support existing ones.
- Improved safety because mobility hubs offer safe, well-lit spaces where people can park and access a variety of transportation options.
What you need in order to implement
Policy needs:
- Agencies should develop and implement policies to allow and encourage the building of mobility hubs
Planning needs:
- A plan is needed to decide the location, size, and funding for mobility hubs in the region
Coordination needs:
- Agencies should coordinate with transit agencies, pedestrian advocacy groups, social justice groups, local business groups, and their own planning and engineering staff to ensure all users are being serviced.
Learn more about this strategy
About key characteristics
Location notes:
Mobility hubs can be built in urban or suburban areas where multi-mode travel is needed or promoted.
Cost notes:
Costs associated with mobility hubs are high as they require construction of a mobility hub/transportation center for each of the mobility hub together with construction of complete streets and parking areas.
Technology notes:
Technology needs associated with the mobility hubs are high since it involves data collection and coordination among modes.
Collaboration notes:
High levels of collaboration are necessary to develop strategies and policies for mobility hubs.