Shared mobility hubs – lessons learnt from the ShareDiMobiHub project

The ShareDiMobihub project addresses the challenge of integrating public transport and shared mobility, aiming to create a seamless, multimodal transport system across urban, suburban, and rural areas. By developing and upscaling shared mobility hubs, the project enhances first and last mile connectivity, reduces car dependency, and promotes digital integration through Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms. The project aims to ensure that shared transport services become a reliable extension of transport networks, making sustainable mobility more accessible and attractive.

The project explores different strategies for integrating shared mobility hubs with public transport, focusing on scaling up networks, enhancing digital integration, and improving accessibility. The project also tests governance and data-sharing models to streamline multimodal travel and develops targeted solutions for transport poverty so that shared mobility serves disadvantaged communities as well.

Context

Local and regional authorities across Europe face significant mobility challenges that hinder the transition to sustainable, accessible and efficient transport systems. Urban areas struggle with congestion, competition for public space, and the complexity of integrating emerging mobility services within existing transport networks. In contrast, suburban and rural areas often lack frequent public transport options, leaving many residents with no viable alternatives to private cars. This imbalance contributes to increased emissions, social exclusion and inefficient land use, making it difficult to achieve the transport decarbonisation and equity goals set at both European and national levels.

From multimodal mobility hubs to shared mobility hubs

The integration of multimodal mobility hubs within urban and regional transport strategies has been increasingly recognised in different European plans and frameworks. The New EU Urban Mobility Framework (2021) promotes multimodal mobility hubs as a solution to improve first and last mile connections and therefore provide improvements for active modes of mobility. 

Multimodal mobility hubs or, as defined by the TEN-T Regulation, multimodal passenger hubs are the connection point between at least two transport modes for passengers, where travel information, access to public transport and transfers between modes are ensured, such as park-and-ride stations, and which acts as an interface within and between urban nodes and between urban nodes and longer-distance transport networks. 

While this type of hub is linked to large intermodal stations that connect regional transport networks, they can also be applied to smaller neighbourhood hubs that support local mobility needs, named shared mobility, which are the focus of this study. These shared mobility hubs can be defined as recognisable and accessible physical locations where multiple sustainable transport modes—including public transport and several modes of shared mobility services—are seamlessly integrated both physically and digitally. These hubs allow users to efficiently plan, book, and switch between transport options, ensuring a smooth and flexible travel experience.

The Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) Recommendations (2024) emphasises the complementarity nature of shared mobility and public transport, with shared mobility hubs being key to encourage multimodal infrastructure in a systematic way. The Social Climate Fund (SCF) reinforces their importance, recognising them as a cost-effective measure to improve transport accessibility for low-income households and vulnerable users.

At the national level, several governments are actively investing in shared mobility hubs as part of broader sustainable transport policies. The Netherlands’ ’Natuurlijk Deelmobiliteit’ (Shared Mobility Naturally) programme fosters municipal cooperation. In Belgium, regional governments have taken a structured approach to shared mobility development, particularly in Flanders, where the Hoppin programme integrates shared mobility hubs with public transport services, ensuring that users can seamlessly transition between different modes of travel. 

The ShareDiMobiHub Project

The ShareDiMobiHub project was developed to accelerate the integration of shared mobility hubs into transport networks, tackling challenges related to governance, digitalisation, infrastructure planning, and user adoption. Co-funded under the Interreg North Sea Region Programme, the project seeks to create a scalable, replicable framework for implementing shared mobility hubs across different urban and regional contexts.

The project operates across multiple pilot locations (Amsterdam, Capital Region of Denmark, Leuven, Province of Utrecht, Rotterdam and Tønsberg), each focusing on a specific aspect of shared mobility hub development. Some of the pilots are focused on scaling up existing shared mobility hub networks, expanding access to shared transport services while ensuring that they align with local and regional transport strategies. Others focus on digitalisation and MaaS integration, developing open data-sharing frameworks and interoperability standards to ensure that users can easily plan, book, and pay for multimodal trips. In addition, several pilot projects explore how shared mobility hubs can address transport poverty, testing solutions that make shared mobility more accessible and affordable for disadvantaged groups. Community engagement, inclusive design and behavioural change strategies are being integrated into hub development to ensure that hubs are designed around real user needs and preferences, increasing public acceptance and adoption.

A critical component of ShareDiMobiHub is its emphasis on harmonising governance models and creating cohesive policy frameworks that align shared mobility with public transport operations. The project facilitates the adoption of the Transport Operators to MaaS Providers (TOMP) API, allowing for standardised data exchange between shared mobility operators, public transport providers, and MaaS platforms for planning and booking trips, making payments, (un)locking vehicles, etc. By improving multimodal coordination through digital tools, ShareDiMobiHub enhances the usability, reliability, and efficiency of shared mobility hubs, making them a more attractive alternative to private car ownership.

In action

Enhancing transport connectivity through shared mobility hubs

In Rotterdam and Leuven, efforts are focused on ensuring that shared mobility hubs are accessible and attractive to diverse user groups, particularly those who may not have previously engaged with shared mobility services. In Rotterdam, the city is implementing strategies to engage residents who traditionally have limited access to shared mobility, particularly in neighbourhoods where private car ownership remains dominant. Similarly, in Leuven, targeted approaches are being tested to lower barriers for disadvantaged groups. Through a rotating test hub placed in various neighbourhoods, the city is engaging directly with residents to assess their mobility needs and identify obstacles to shared mobility adoption. The initiative aims to ensure that shared transport services are accessible and relevant for a broader range of users, addressing gaps in mobility provision while promoting a shift towards more sustainable transport choices.

In Tønsberg, Norway, shared mobility hubs are being integrated with public transport by offering shared e-bikes, cars and demand-responsive transport at key locations, with the aim of reducing car dependency. These hubs provide seamless first- and last-mile connections, improving accessibility to bus and rail services and reducing the need to travel by private car.

Scaling up shared mobility hubs and regional coordination

Amsterdam is working on expanding its network of shared mobility hubs, with a particular emphasis on areas where public space is limited and car ownership is less practical. This approach involves implementing policy measures such as parking regulations, zero-emission zones and incentive programmes to encourage the use of shared mobility services. To complement this expansion, the Transport Authority for Amsterdam Region (Vervoerregio Amsterdam) is overseeing the creation of 20 new shared mobility hubs across regional municipalities, incorporating bicycles, e-bikes, and cars into public transport planning and ensuring that mobility services across municipalities are coordinated and aligned with long-term transport goals.

The Province of Utrecht is leading efforts in digitalisation by collecting and analysing data  on shared mobility hub usage, aiming to inform and guide future expansions.

Digitalisation and MaaS integration

A core objective of the project is to ensure that shared mobility hubs are fully integrated into digital mobility ecosystems, making multimodal travel seamless. Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leuven, and the Province of Utrecht are working to incorporate shared mobility hubs into existing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms, allowing users to access public transport, bike-sharing and e-scooters through a single interface.

To improve interoperability, the project and specifically Mpact provided support to the further development of the Transport Operators to MaaS Providers (TOMP) API, a standardised data-sharing protocol that facilitates real-time bookings, payments, and trip planning across multiple services.

Scaling shared mobility hubs beyond pilot cities

Beyond individual cities, cross-regional collaboration ensures that shared mobility hubs are not limited to local networks but become part of a broader, scalable transport solution. The Capital Region of Denmark is applying lessons learned from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Leuven to inform its shared mobility strategy, while Vestfold County in Norway is using findings from other locations to develop a structured upscaling strategy for regional implementation.

Results

Scalability and replicability across regions

SharedDiMobiHub illustrates that shared mobility hubs can be scaled from localised pilots to city-wide and regional implementations, with data-driven decision-making playing a crucial role in ensuring successful expansion. The Impact Analysis Tool, developed by the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, was designed to provide policymakers with quantitative insight into mobility impact, including traffic intensity changes, emission reductions, and space reallocation. While the tool is still under development, its methodology establishes a replicable model for evaluating shared mobility interventions across different urban and peri-urban contexts.

Mpact developed the Hub Inclusivity Tool to assess accessibility of hubs and compiled guidelines and best practice examples for inclusive shared mobility hubs. The concept can be adapted to local regulations regarding hubs and public transport stops. In Utrecht, an inventory of 100 hubs was conducted as a model for scaling shared mobility, supported by a Geographic Information System (GIS) - based guide for optimal hub placement. To address governance challenges, a framework agreement was established to guide cooperation between public authorities and mobility operators on regulations, permits, and service integration.

Impact on reducing private car dependency

The pilot results highlight the potential for reducing private car use, particularly for short-distance and infrequent trips. In Leuven, survey and dashboard data indicate that car trips under five kilometres remain high, particularly for supermarket visits and daily errands. This indicates an opportunity to promote cargo bikes and short-distance car-sharing as viable alternatives. Despite the availability of shared mobility options, many users continue to rely on private vehicles, suggesting that further incentives and targeted outreach are needed to encourage behavioural change. In Tønsberg, where 65% of all trips were conducted by private car, survey data revealed that most residents do not actively seek alternatives to car ownership, with only 15% expressing an intention to switch to shared mobility.

Digitalisation as a key enabler

The integration of digital tools and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms played a critical role in the pilots, helping cities monitor shared mobility trends, optimise hub locations, and enhance user accessibility. The Impact Analysis Tool, once fully implemented, will provide cities with a standardised method for assessing the environmental and social impact of shared mobility hubs. This will be essential in demonstrating the long-term benefits of shared mobility interventions and securing continued investment in hub expansion.

Similarly, the different dashboards in the pilots integrate real-time public transport and shared mobility data, allowing municipalities to track hub occupancy rates, vehicle usage trends, and user preferences. The use of dashboards and impact assessment tools underscores the importance of standardising data collection and sharing mechanisms across cities, facilitating the broader replication of shared mobility solutions.

Challenges, opportunities and transferability

Key challenges

The implementation of shared mobility hubs in the ShareDiMobiHub project faced several challenges, particularly regarding user adoption, governance, and infrastructure limitations. One of the main difficulties observed in Leuven, Rotterdam, and Tønsberg was the low uptake of shared mobility services despite increased awareness. Surveys indicated that while over 60% of respondents knew about shared mobility hubs, actual usage remained limited, with most engagement occurring with non-shared services like bicycle parking and parcel lockers rather than shared e-bikes, e-scooters or car-sharing​.

Behavioural resistance to shared mobility was another challenge, especially in areas where private car dependency is high. In Tønsberg, 65% of trips were conducted by private car, even for short distances under three kilometres, despite the availability of shared mobility options. Surveys showed that many residents do not actively seek alternatives to car ownership, with only 15% indicating an interest in switching to shared mobility options​. This highlights the need for better incentives, pricing adjustments and outreach campaigns to promote shared mobility adoption.

Regulatory and governance barriers also posed difficulties. The project developed a framework agreement between public authorities and shared mobility operators to address governance inconsistencies, particularly regarding permits, regulations, and financial agreements. However, coordinating policies across different municipalities and ensuring long-term financial sustainability remain key concerns​.

Learnings at the city level

A key lesson from the pilots is that shared mobility hub deployment must be aligned with public transport planning. In several cities, shared mobility hubs were introduced without parallel improvements in public transport frequency and reliability, limiting their effectiveness in reducing car dependency.

Findings from Leuven and Rotterdam indicate that shared mobility services are primarily used for short, utilitarian trips, such as shopping and errands, rather than for commuting or longer journeys. This suggests that shared mobility hubs should be tailored to specific travel behaviours, incorporating more flexible service models and integrating multimodal transport options to encourage adoption​. Likewise, a document regarding the dos and don'ts regarding data-sharing and dashboards is also to be published.

Transferability

One of the biggest strengths of the project is that all the work done—the tools developed, the pilot implementations, and the lessons learnt—are openly available. All content will be made available through the Digital Participatory Platform (May 2025), containing all the tools, insights from the pilots and best practice examples. Cities and regions looking to implement shared mobility solutions can access the Hub Inclusivity Tool, the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based location guide, the Impact Analysis Tool, and governance frameworks to support their decision-making. These resources provide a replicable model for assessing and optimising shared mobility networks.

Beyond the tools, the real-world experience of pilot cities serves as an invaluable reference. The approach taken in deploying hubs in Leuven, Rotterdam, Tønsberg, and Utrecht demonstrates the practical challenges and solutions of integrating shared mobility in different urban contexts. These case studies are documented, and insights are shared openly through reports, presentations and learning materials, ensuring that other cities can learn from and adapt these experiences to their specific needs. The availability of open-access presentations and documentation allows cities not only to replicate the approach but also to see the evolution of the project, the actions taken and the challenges addressed in real time.

Conclusions

The implementation of shared mobility hubs in the ShareDiMobiHub project highlights both opportunities and complexities in expanding shared transport solutions. While data-driven planning and governance frameworks have established a foundation for success, user adoption barriers, regulatory inconsistencies and the need for greater public transport integration remain critical challenges.

Lessons from the pilots highlight the importance of tailoring shared mobility hubs to local travel behaviour, ensuring alignment with public transport improvements, and implementing targeted user engagement initiatives. These insights will be crucial in scaling up shared mobility networks and replicating their benefits across diverse urban and regional contexts.

Author: Jorge Manso García

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

Photo credits © - ShareDiMobihub project