Sustainable and integrated urban transport networks: the role of mobility hubs

This thesis explores the role of Mobility Hubs (MHs) in promoting sustainable, integrated, and resilient urban transport networks. In response to the need for a green urban transition, MHs are positioned as central elements in achieving efficient, accessible, and multimodal transport networks. Defined as dedicated spaces where different public and shared transport options are available, MHs are evaluated for their potential to improve transport network resilience and reduce dependence on private vehicles. The thesis is structured into four main parts. The first provides the theoretical background, outlining the importance of MHs, key challenges in sustainable mobility, and the thesis objectives. The second part presents a systematic review of transport network resilience literature, introducing relevant concepts and methodologies, including topological, recovery, optimization, data-driven, and simulation approaches, with a focus on multimodal urban contexts. Building on this, the third part applies network analysis to identify strategic MH locations, using metrics such as betweenness centrality and efficiency. A case study of Munich illustrates how integrating bike-sharing systems with public transport can enhance overall network resilience. This part also introduces a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach, involving stakeholder input to determine optimal MH locations based on robustness and other decision-making factors. The fourth part expands the analysis to policy and planning. Through stakeholder engagement and collaborations, particularly with the city of Rimini, it explores the application of MH concepts in real urban contexts. The discussion includes the role of urban form, project implementation (e.g., BRT systems), and recommendations for sustainable mobility policies. Concluding remarks emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the research, highlighting MHs as key enablers of sustainable urban mobility and offering a framework for future planning, design, and policy decisions.