Mobility hubs are a concept that have evolved over 20 years (Arnold, et al., 2022, p. 858), initially conceptualised as a way of reducing congestion and air pollution within inner cities, through Park & Rides, providing cost-competitive vehicle parking and frequent and reliable bus services (Rongen, et al., 2022, p. 3). This concept has since changed in response to new technologies, and the need to switch travel behaviours, as a result of climate change and the inequity vehicles subject to their environments, from a car-dependent society to one which supports healthy choices and sustainable travel (Bell, 2019, p. 6).
Mobility hubs are now conceived as a network of multi-modal interchanges. Yet CoMoUK, a national shared transport charity, notes that it is much more than this (CoMoUK, 2020).
CoMoUK defines a mobility hub as a:
‘recognisable place with an offer of different and connected transport modes supplemented with enhanced facilities and information features to both attract and benefit the traveller’ (CoMoUK, 2020, p. 4).
However, this definition can be taken further.
Based on the amalgamation of mobility hub definitions illustrated in Roukouni (et al., 2023, p. 3 - 4) this research can define mobility hubs as ‘a place where different transport modes are integrated seamlessly, promoting efficient and sustainable urban mobility. Emphasis is given on shared mobility options such as bikes, scooters and cars’, and their interchanges with public transport, such as buses, trains, and trams (Roukouni, et al., 2023, p. 6). ‘The integration between mobility suppliers is important to provide a seamless, flexible connection at these transfer points. Ensuring an enjoyable experience for travellers is a crucial part of the hub concept as well, and therefore the hub should be considered not just as a transfer node’ with mobility components, but as a community space with place and freight components (Roukouni, et al., 2023, p. 6).
But what do we mean by Strategic Mobility Hub Planning?
With a policy shift shining a light on mobility hubs in a variety of local planning authorities across the UK, many mobility hubs are planned to be brought forward in the coming years. Many of these will be by individual developers, communities, social enterprises, and private interests. As we know that the success of mobility hubs is in numbers, by developing them as a
network, there is a question about whether the UK should adopt a strategic approach to planning mobility hubs as a key part of our travel travel infrastructure, with benefits for better connectivity, interchange, and recognition of transport modes at a sub-regional, regional, or national scale. This approach is already being seen in mainland Europe and North America, particularly with the likes of Berlin's 'Jelbi' network and Belgium's 'Hoppin' Network.