Suburban Micromobility Hub Network Pilot Programme

Car trips to and from public transport are among the highest polluting vehicle trips. Often, these trips by car are short distances (under 5km), begin with a cold engine and are slower speeds, all of which equate to higher rates of pollutant and GHG emissions. Bike or scooter trips can easily replace short car trips under 5km. The availability of substitutions would significantly reduce local pollutants and carbon emissions and enhance connectivity with public transportation. Research shows that the ready availability of micromobility devices such as shared e-scooters and e-bikes or easy access to secure scooters and bike parking dramatically increases the likelihood of a non-car trip to or from public transport. Recent evidence suggests that access to micromobility e-bikes and e-scooter can replace over 25 per cent of car trips. Our project, funded by Waka Kotahi, will establish a public transport station-based micromobility hub network. Partners from the University of Auckland, Beam (Shared Electronic Scooter and Bike Rentals), and Big Street Bikers ("Locky Dock"), with the cooperation of Auckland Transport, will develop and install an e-hub network at a suburban rail station. The hub will consist of Beam e-scooters and e-bikes, "Locky Dock" secured bike parking with power outlets for e-bike charging and high-visibility wayfinding to enhance accessibility. The micromobility hub will allow public transit riders to substitute first/last mile trips to public transport with more sustainable modes.

The concept is to develop a small network of micromobility hubs around a pilot train station. This involves placing shared e-scooters, e-bikes, and powered bike racks within a 3-minute walk of a station. We will also develop mini-hubs around residential and commercial areas within a 10-minute ride to the station. The project will determine if suburban park and ride (car) trips can be converted to micromobility trips with sufficient availability of e-scooters, e-bikes, and electrified bike storage.

The micromobility hub will address the first and last mile problem endemic to this suburban rail station. It would also extend the reach of the catchment area. Zero-emission micromobility devices with an operating speed of 10km/h can cover nearly the entire catchment area of a one-mile (1,609 metres) trip by car in a 10-mile journey. Push bikes and e-bikes can further extend that catchment area. The project will involve data collection in user intercept surveys, observation, and data sharing between our partners. Project outputs will conclude evidence that rail and bus parking can be reduced without a significant impact on ridership, emissions reductions, mode shift, fiscal effects, health benefits, public transport and household savings that result from the micromobility hub network.