The Smarthubs integration ladder: a conceptual model for the categorisation of shared mobility hubs

Abstract

A variety of shared mobility hubs, offering shared mobility and other services, have emerged in many cities across the globe. This paper provides a literature review on of the definition and categorisation of shared mobility hubs, guidance for the design of these hubs, and develops a multidimensional typology for shared mobility hubs. The typology, named the SmartHubs Integration Ladder, is based on three integration dimensions: physical, digital, and democratic. The literature review shows that digital and democratic (participation) integration dimensions, and universal design principles are typically missing in shared mobility hub concepts, definitions and planning practice. This implies that existing shared mobility hubs will not reach their full potential in terms of user and societal value. The “smarter” shared mobility hubs are physically, digitally, and democratically, the more user and societal value can potentially be created.