Smart Urban Mobility Hubs for Enhancing Last-Mile Connectivity

Thesis Abstract

Urban transportation systems worldwide are increasingly challenged by rising congestion, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable mobility solutions. In particular, last-mile connectivity remains a critical bottleneck in the overall efficiency of urban transit networks, often resulting in missed opportunities for seamless travel and increased reliance on private vehicles. This study aims to explore the potential of smart urban mobility hubs to enhance last-mile connectivity, thereby improving transit accessibility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable travel behaviors in dense metropolitan environments. The specific objectives include (1) assessing the current state of last-mile transit solutions and identifying key challenges; (2) evaluating the technological components and operational models of existing smart mobility hubs; (3) developing an integrated framework for deploying smart mobility hubs tailored to urban micro-mobility needs; and (4) proposing actionable strategies for policymakers and transit authorities to implement scalable solutions. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive insights from stakeholders. The target population comprises 1,200 commuters in downtown city districts, transit operators, and city planners, with a stratified random sampling technique employed to ensure representation across different demographic and professional groups. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires to quantify user perceptions of last-mile connectivity and acceptance levels of smart mobility solutions, as well as semi-structured interview guides to obtain stakeholder perspectives on operational challenges and innovation adoption. The reliability and validity of the instruments are established through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8, alongside expert validation. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to examine factors influencing user adoption and satisfaction with smart mobility hubs. The qualitative data are subjected to thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, barriers, and enablers related to deployment and integration of these hubs into existing transit frameworks. Additionally, a systems-based analytical model grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and Diffusion of Innovations theory underpins the interpretation of behavioral and technological adoption patterns, providing a robust theoretical lens for understanding stakeholder engagement and sustainability of smart mobility initiatives. Expected findings suggest that well-designed smart mobility hubs significantly improve last-mile accessibility, increase transit usage, and foster positive perceptions of sustainable commuting, especially when integrated with real-time data, mobile applications, and multimodal payment systems. Factors such as technological trust, perceived convenience, and environmental awareness are anticipated to predict user acceptance, while infrastructural and policy barriers may hinder large-scale adoption. The study also expects to identify best practices and critical success factors for scalable deployment, including dynamic pricing models, public-private partnerships, and user-centric design principles. The research contributes new empirical evidence to the evolving discourse on smart mobility and urban planning by developing an integrated framework that links technological innovation with behavioral insights and policy strategies. It advances theoretical understanding by applying behavioral theories within the context of smart infrastructure adoption, offering a novel perspective on the drivers and constraints of last-mile mobility solutions. Practically, the study provides actionable recommendations for city planners, transit agencies, and technology providers to optimize the design, implementation, and management of smart urban mobility hubs. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to enhance last-mile connectivity through smart infrastructure. The study advocates for targeted investments in data-driven urban transit planning, adoption of emerging micro-mobility technologies, and policies fostering participatory engagement among users and providers. Future research should explore longitudinal assessments of smart hub performance and scalability across diverse urban settings, as well as the integration of emerging innovations such as autonomous vehicles and integrated network systems to sustain urban mobility resilience.