SMAPE project publishes guidelines for municipalities to implement mobility hubs in Mantova

Launched in 2023 and funded by Interreg Europe, the Shared Mobility Action Programmes Exchange (SMAPE) project aims to strengthen shared mobility policies and support a modal shift from private cars to more sustainable alternatives. Mobility hubs play a central role in this shift, helping cities rethink public space and improve both passenger transport and urban logistics. Within this framework, the project is supporting the city of Mantova in advancing its shared and sustainable mobility policies and updating its planning tools to better integrate shared mobility with public and private transport.

Through active collaboration with mobility stakeholders and local municipalities, SMAPE has successfully developed its first policy instrument, guiding Mantova’s technical staff in integrating SMAPE’s insights into the updated Plan for Cycling and Walking Routes. The resulting Guidelines provide practical instructions for implementing mobility hubs, including recommendations on location, governance, phasing and complementary services such as bike sharing, car sharing, charging facilities and park-and-ride infrastructure. They also include case studies from across Europe, showcasing best practices and outlining each stage of the implementation process.

Mantova’s nine planned mobility hubs will be strategically located near railway stations and classified using a three-level system based on their connectivity and proximity to population centres. Mantova will serve as a first-level hub; Suzzara, Ostiglia and Sabbioneta will function as second-level hubs; and the remaining interchange points will be designated as third-level hubs. The Municipality will work with neighbouring areas participating in the SMAPE project to support the implementation of additional hubs across the region.

You can access the newly developed Guidelines for Municipalities to Implement Mobility Hubs here: https://www.provincia.mantova.it/UploadDocs/28215_3_SMAPE__mobility_hub_linee_guida_Comuni.pdf 

Author: Carla Giaume & Francesco Millio

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.