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Dr Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla discusses discusses the concept of mobility hubs (MHs) and their potential to transform urban transportation systems by providing integrated, sustainable alternatives to private car use.
It focuses on the benefits, challenges, and examples of MH implementation in the UK, particularly in Birmingham, and highlights how they can reduce congestion, promote sustainable travel, and improve urban planning.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact urban areas and environmental awareness becomes a key societal concern, the demand for integrated and sustainable transportation solutions has never been higher.
Across the globe, cities are adopting a new approach to mobility known as “mobility hubs” (MHs), a trend that is gaining traction as a way to address both environmental and urban challenges. The concept of mobility hubs has evolved over the last two decades, moving from a niche idea to a mainstream urban planning tool. But what exactly are mobility hubs, and how can cities, particularly in the UK, benefit from this innovative solution?
What Are Mobility Hubs?
The term “mobility hub” emerged in the early 2000s and has gained momentum over the last 20 years. Generally speaking, a mobility hub is defined as “an urban infrastructure designed to provide a variety of shared transport modes (at least two) in the same place, where integration with public transport is highly recommended.” According to CoMoUK, a leading organization in the promotion of shared transport, a mobility hub is “a recognizable place with an offer of different and connected transport modes supplemented with enhanced facilities and information features to both attract and benefit the traveler.”
These hubs are designed to facilitate seamless and efficient multi-modal transport, offering integrated transport solutions like bike-sharing, e-scooters, car-sharing, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and, importantly, integration with public transport networks such as buses, trains, and trams. For cities like Birmingham, which is the second-largest city in the UK, adopting mobility hubs could offer significant benefits, both for commuters and the environment.
Benefits and Potential Impact of Mobility Hubs
The introduction of mobility hubs has the potential to transform cities in various ways, providing several long-term advantages. CoMoUK highlights five key categories in which mobility hubs can make an impact:
- Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning: Mobility hubs reduce car dependency, alleviate congestion, and minimize carbon emissions by promoting sustainable modes of transport. By reclaiming space typically used for parking, these hubs encourage high-density development and more walkable neighbourhoods.
- Convenience and Connectivity: MHs enable seamless multi-modal travel, making it easier for people to access different transport modes in one location. They also address the “first/last mile” gap, providing convenient, 24-hour, sustainable alternatives to private car ownership.
- Safety and Accessibility: Designed with vulnerable users in mind, mobility hubs enhance safety and comfort. These hubs also ensure inclusivity by accommodating adapted transport modes, such as wheelchairs, and creating accessible spaces for people with disabilities.
- Public Perception and Urban Experience: The presence of well-designed mobility hubs can significantly elevate the visibility and attractiveness of sustainable transport, shifting public perception away from car dependency. Furthermore, by transforming underused areas like parking lots into green spaces, these hubs enhance the urban experience for all users.
- Infrastructure Management: Mobility hubs help manage shared transport services, reducing street clutter and promoting efficient use of public space. They also provide essential infrastructure like EV charging stations, supporting the transition toward electric vehicles in urban areas.
For Birmingham, these benefits are particularly compelling. By adopting mobility hubs, the city could set an example for other regions in the UK and beyond, demonstrating how sustainable transportation can become a cornerstone of urban planning.
Mobility Hubs in the UK: Case Studies
Several UK cities have already begun experimenting with the mobility hub concept, paving the way for further adoption:
- Plymouth: Mobility hubs in Plymouth were first explored around 2003. The city has since integrated them into its Local Transport Plan, securing funding for further development through the Transforming Cities Fund. This initiative aims to make shared transport more accessible and reduce car usage.
- Norfolk and Norwich: Plans are underway to create up to 30 mobility hubs in Norwich and across Norfolk, with the goal of reducing reliance on private cars and creating a more sustainable transport network.
- Scotland: Scotland has established several mobility hubs, such as those in East Lothian and Musselburgh, to support the government’s net-zero targets. These hubs aim to reduce car dependency while providing sustainable transport options.
- South Woodford, East London: South Woodford became the home of the first CoMoUK-accredited mobility hub in East London, setting a benchmark for future developments across the country.
In the West Midlands, Birmingham is at the forefront of mobility hub development. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is investing in nine new transit stations, each equipped with ultra-rapid EV charging stations. Additionally, the Halesowen Mobility Hub Pilot, launched in 2024, is testing the viability of a ‘mini-network’ of three hubs in the area. Funded by the Department for Transport’s Future Transport Zone, this pilot aims to assess the impact of mobility hubs and determine how they can be expanded in the future.
Challenges and Considerations for Mobility Hubs
While the benefits of mobility hubs are clear, their implementation is not without challenges. Some of the key obstacles include:
- Funding and Investment: Developing a dense network of mobility hubs requires significant investment. Research suggests that a higher density of hubs makes services more competitive and accessible, but securing the necessary funds for this level of development can be challenging.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Outside of London, many UK cities struggle with outdated transport systems that lack the space, technology, and connectivity needed to support sustainable mobility services. Addressing these infrastructure gaps will be critical for the success of mobility hubs.
- Coordination Between Stakeholders: To ensure the success of mobility hubs, local governments, transport providers, and private companies must collaborate effectively. This includes navigating complex processes, such as the Department for Transport’s appraisal procedures, and ensuring that hubs provide value for money.
- User Adoption and Behavior: Changing public perception and encouraging people to embrace alternative transport options is another hurdle. There is still limited evidence on how users value the experiential benefits that mobility hubs offer, such as increased travel certainty and improved user experience.
- Technological Integration: For mobility hubs to function efficiently, various transport systems and platforms must be interoperable. This requires integrating real-time information, ticketing systems, and vehicle tracking—complex tasks that demand coordination across multiple stakeholders.
Conclusion
The rise of mobility hubs presents an exciting opportunity to address several urban challenges in the UK, including reducing car dependency, alleviating congestion, and improving the sustainability of transport networks. For cities like Birmingham, the adoption of mobility hubs could serve as a model for other cities in the region and across the UK. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, investment, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. By strategically placing hubs in key locations, engaging with local communities, and ensuring accessibility for all users, cities can create a future where sustainable transport is the norm rather than the exception.
This blog was written by Dr Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla, Research Fellow, City-REDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.