Smart Mobility Hubs: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in Mid-Sized Cities

Thesis Abstract

The growth of mid-sized cities increasingly depends on integrated mobility systems that reduce car dependence, improve accessibility, and promote sustainable urban form; however, practical implementation of multimodal mobility hubs in this context remains underexplored due to fragmented governance, funding constraints, and variable user acceptance. This study addresses the problem by examining how smart mobility hubs can be designed, deployed, and evaluated to optimize accessibility, modal shift, and user satisfaction in mid-sized urban areas. The aim is to develop an evidence-based blueprint for planning, deploying, and assessing mobility hubs that integrate public transit, micro-mobility, shared autonomous features, and digital services to enhance urban mobility outcomes. Specific objectives are (1) to identify design attributes and service configurations that maximize first/last-mile efficiency and user adoption; (2) to assess governance, funding models, and stakeholder coordination required for scalable implementation; (3) to evaluate user experiences, perceived safety, and accessibility across diverse demographic groups; (4) to quantify environmental and operational performance outcomes, including emissions reductions, travel time savings, and service reliability; and (5) to propose a replicable evaluation framework and policy recommendations for mid-sized cities. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-methods research design anchored in the realist evaluation paradigm to capture context-mechanism-outcome configurations. The research population comprises residents, commuters, local businesses, and public transport operators in three mid-sized cities selected for varied geographic and socio-economic profiles. A stratified random sample of 1,200 residents will be surveyed pre- and post-implementation to measure mobility patterns, mode choice, and satisfaction, while 60 in-depth interviews with officials, planners, and stakeholders will illuminate governance and implementation processes. Additionally, sensor-derived operational data from the mobility hubs (n ? 240,000 daily interactions) will be analysed to quantify usage, dwell times, intermodal transfers, and service reliability. The instrument suite includes a structured survey with validated scales for perceived accessibility (? > 0.80), travel satisfaction (? > 0.85), and safety perceptions; semi-structured interview guides; and data extraction protocols from hub management systems. Analytical procedures consist of (i) descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis to identify latent design attributes; (ii) regression analyses and multilevel modeling to determine the influence of hub design features and city context on modal shift and user satisfaction; (iii) interrupted time series and difference-in-differences analyses to estimate policy and implementation impacts on travel behavior and emissions; (iv) thematic analysis of interview transcripts to elucidate governance, funding, and stakeholder engagement dynamics; and (v) a cross-case synthesis to derive a unified evaluation framework. Theoretical underpinnings draw on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to interpret user adoption of digital services within hubs, and the Stated Preference–revealed Preference integration to reconcile anticipated and actual travel choices; the study also engages the Spatial Systems Theory to contextualize multimodal network effects. Expected findings indicate that well-integrated hubs combining feeder transit, micro-mobility, and digital wayfinding with clear pricing and real-time information will significantly increase the share of trips using sustainable modes by 12–18% within 18 months of deployment, reduce mean travel times by 8–12%, and lower per capita emissions by 6–10%. Design attributes such as intuitive interface design, protected waiting areas, synchronized timetable information, and secure bike/micro-mobility parking are anticipated to correlate with higher adoption and satisfaction. Governance models emphasizing multi-agency collaboration, co-financing, and community co-design are expected to emerge as critical drivers of project scalability. The study contributes to knowledge by offering an empirically validated, context-sensitive framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating smart mobility hubs in mid-sized cities, integrating operational analytics with user-centered design and governance considerations. It provides a replicable evaluation blueprint, performance indicators, and policy recommendations that address funding mechanisms, standardization of data sharing, and inclusive accessibility. The main conclusion underscores that success hinges on aligning technical design with governance structures and user expectations, ensuring interoperable services, and delivering transparent, measurable benefits to residents and local businesses. Practical recommendations include adopting modular hub designs, establishing joint funding agreements, implementing continuous performance monitoring, and engaging communities from the planning stage to sustain long-term uptake.