Micromobility for first and last mile access to public transport: institutional perspectives from Perth, WA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid uptake of small electric personal mobility devices, collectively referred to as micromobility, has created a challenge for planners, policymakers and regulators seeking to mitigate externalities and integrate these modes into urban transport systems. First and last mile access to high frequency and reliable public transport has been identified as one area that micromobility can contribute. However, to successfully address the first and last mile problem, micromobility requires supportive institutions across the transport system and mobility spaces that constitute first and last mile access. Using Perth, Western Australia as a case study, this research draws on a Delphi Survey with transport planners and policymakers, exploring the institutional dimension of first and last mile for micromobility. The research shows that planners and policymakers should focus on the broader eco-system of rules, regulations and practices that contribute to first and last mile access, paying attention to the spatial and social context of cities. Key issues to enhancing micromobility in first and last mile access are connectivity and safety, both for micromobility users and other road and street users. Practitioner pointers: Planners and policymakers seeking to integrate micromobility into the urban transport task should consider the whole set of institutions that make up FLM journeys, encompassing land use planning, street and road networks, station facilities and public transport services. Both formal institutions, representing laws and regulations, and informal institutions, including social practices, education, and enforcement, are important to consider. Planners and policymakers should adopt innovative and flexible approaches such as trials and evaluations to ensure that micromobility does not lead to unsustainable outcomes for urban transport systems.