Mobility Hubs: Creating & Caring For A New Type of Transit Center
Client: City of Minneapolis
Date Range: 2019-2022
Summary: The Musicant Group was retained by the City of Minneapolis to increase awareness, access, and create positive experiences at their “Mobility Hubs,” to inform future planning for these new transit centers, and to build buy-in for a long-term mobility hub network in Minneapolis. Our pilot began with hubs at 12 important transit points, and led to a citywide Mobility Hub network, growing to include 32 hubs by 2022, and expanding significantly into Downtown. Our main strategy was launching an Ambassador Program, which enlisted champions of care and programming at each Mobility Hub site.
Project Goals & Strategy
Our main goal was to pilot a program which modeled a new way of creating and caring for these transit centers, and help inform a long-term approach to implementing a larger mobility hub network in Minneapolis.
Our strategy involved creating a flexible, recognizable furnishing and signage system, and unique system of care using Ambassadors from the surrounding communities to look after each hub.
What we did
The Musicant Group built transportation hubs at 12 important transit points around the city (in North, South, and NE Minneapolis), including wayfinding signage, Nice Ride bicycles, scooter parking spots, modular seating, and creative opportunities for engagement, such as magnet poetry and information boxes.
Additionally, we piloted an Ambassador Program, with champions for care and programming at each of the mobility hubs.
Outcomes & Benefits
During 2019, 64% of users reported that pilot improvements make them more likely to use the transportation options at the hub
Over 800,000 trips were made at these sites
The program grew from 24 operating sites in 2020 to 32 in 2022 (a 33% increase)
New sites expanded the presence of mobility hubs in Downtown
Testimonals
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"It’s nice to have the other options close to the bus so that if I miss my bus I can take a scooter or bike.”
- Community Member
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"We had a great time at the event and would love to do more of these with you going forward! It really seemed like a lot of people were curious about the scooters and wanted to ride, they just needed the information about how. “
– Spin Management