Abstract Manager

The term "mobility hub" is often misused, especially when associated with transit services. The principles behind the concept aren't new, they fundamentally involves connecting people to sustainable transportation options. The distinction between transit stations and mobility hubs can be subtle, but the design and purpose of a mobility hub are unique. Mobility hubs extend beyond transit services, providing a broader range of transportation solutions.

A transit station primarily serves foot passengers, converting them into shared vehicle users. However, transit stations often lack the flexibility to accommodate transfers between various modes of transportation. Mobility hubs, on the other hand, are designed to offer diverse transportation options, making them more versatile and effective.

Mobility hubs provide opportunities for cost-effective mode choices, catering to individuals without personal vehicles or those who prefer not to drive. A recent GHD study, CROSSROADS, revealed that 67% of Canadian respondents would use public transport more if it were easier, more reliable, and cheaper. While only 56% felt there were sufficient safe and easy ways to get around their community without a car.

Designing a mobility hub involves three key principles: providing multimodal transportation, ensuring easy access to these options, and implementing the hub at the right scale. Mobility hubs should offer transportation options for starting, continuing, and ending a trip. For instance, a mobility hub might include car rentals, car share pick-up/drop-off points, bike docks, and repair facilities. Seamless access between different modes is crucial for a mobility hub's effectiveness. Design interventions, such as clear access paths through transit buildings, can help achieve this. The scale of the mobility hub must suit the surrounding transportation uses to ensure sustainability and reliability.

By understanding and implementing these principles, we can transform transit stations into thriving mobility hubs, providing flexible and sustainable transportation solutions that meet the diverse needs of communities. This presentation will draw on workshops and real world examples for mobility hubs to guide attendees in how to think about their design and implementation. 

 Learning Objectives for the Presentation

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define Mobility Hubs:
2. Identify Key Design Principles:
3. Analyze Real-World Examples:
4. Evaluate Transportation Options:
5. Design Seamless Access:
6. Assess the Appropriate Scale:
7. Promote Sustainable Transportation: