The UK’s first network of mobility hubs is being piloted in the West Midlands as part of a £400,000 project funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Designed and delivered by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the year-long project will see three mobility hubs combine transport options including shared bikes, e-scooters and car clubs with public transport and community services to reduce the need for private cars.
Each mobility hub offers bike hire, bike repair and storage, electric vehicle charging, travel information, parcel lockers and social space.
“With further investment and focus from the government, this pipeline of innovative transport projects could be built up rapidly and the benefits felt sooner and more widely,” Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of national charity for shared transport CoMoUK, which backed the pilot project, told Zag Daily.
“We would encourage ministers to take an approach that helps stakeholders across the public and private sectors develop mobility hubs as part of a lower cost, lower carbon transport future for the UK.”
All three mobility hubs will be located in Halesowen town near Birmingham in residential neighbourhoods, shopping areas and transport interchanges. They are designed to fit inside existing parking bays and small public spaces to enable the concept to be scaled in other neighbourhoods.
Two of the hubs have already launched and the third is expected to open in the near future. The overall network is part of the region’s Future Transport Zone programme funded by the DfT, and involves TfWM’s collaboration with Black Country Transport and Dudley Council.
Across the pond, mobility hubs have become increasingly popular. Earlier this year, Sweden opened its first ‘Mobility Hotel’ in Gothenburg, followed by Norway shortly after.
Transport for West Midlands identified the benefits of the pilot scheme for local residents. These include improved accessibility by bringing travel options closer to communities, encouraging active travel, enhanced connectivity, increased engagement by fostering a sense of community, and reduced traffic.
“We’ll be closely monitoring several key factors throughout the pilot, including the number of people who use the hubs, measured by footfall using VivaCity sensors, and measuring the distances travelled using shared mobility options, such as West Midlands Cycle Hire,” a Transport for West Midlands spokesperson said.
“We will also be gathering public feedback on aspects such as local improvements, community engagement, and whether people are choosing more sustainable ways to travel for shorter trips.”
TfWM and CoMouk will celebrate the pilot project on 2 October at a roadshow where participants will be shown how to use the hubs and try out the available transport options.
