New blueprint for transport interchanges
Go-Ahead and Arup have presented blueprints for the design of transport hubs to improve connectivity between services across the UK. The ‘Future Mobility Hubs’ report presents a framework for a network of interchanges that can be adapted to suit different cities, suburbs and rural areas across the UK.
The designs envisage passengers waiting for a bus while benefiting from solar powered lighting and heating, cycle storage and hire, charging points, community gardens and even co-working spaces.
Go-Ahead and Arup say that mobility hubs could unlock opportunities for low-carbon journeys by integrating different forms of transport and creating an attractive alternative to cars. Services tailored to each location would enhance existing infrastructure such as bus stops, railways stations and park and ride facilities with options ranging from cycle storage, e-bikes and EV charging to improved lighting, amenities and public realm.
Mark Anderson, Go-Ahead interim customer and commercial director, says: “The on-board environment on buses has improved markedly with modern vehicles and better accessibility. But our customers also want a more comfortable environment to wait for a bus, or to change between modes of transport.
“We’re setting out a vision of what bus stops and interchanges could look like in the future. For the UK to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, we need millions of people to switch from cars to public transport. We’ll only achieve that, as a country, if we think big, work closely with local authorities and come up with ideas to make travelling as attractive as possible.”
Richard de Cani, Arup global planning lead, adds: “Currently transport options in our towns and cities can be fragmented. Mobility hubs could combine services to provide more integrated and convenient journey choices while reducing the carbon impact and helping us achieve our net zero ambitions.”
The full document can be accessed here – https://gog-11615-s3.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/live/3416/3229/8667/Future_Mobility_Hubs_-_Go-Ahead-Arup_Report.pdf