Mobility Hubs: Equity Implications of the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Precursor

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For the last few years, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), in conjunction with LA Metro and the City of Long Beach, has been preparing a Request for Proposals for a Mobility Hubs Pilot. LADOT describes Mobility Hubs as the physical and digital connections between mass transit and personal transit options, both public and private.  Nearby ride options may include secure bike parking, bike share, charge stations for personal electric vehicles (PEVs), and connections to carshare and mass transit options.  By grouping related elements together into one space, LADOT seeks to provide a holistic multi-modal experience and maximize public funds.

With interactive kiosks that would help ensure that all transit users are able to easily access emerging personal mobility options, Mobility Hubs can be seen as the physical manifestation and precursor to Mobility as a Service (MaaS). MaaS, in its final form, would be a one-stop shop application that identifies and stacks the optimal mode options for a trip and allows for per-trip and/or per-mile payment. While the initial iteration of Mobility Hubs does not necessarily bake in a single MaaS provider and payment system, the intent is to transition to a MaaS framework when the necessary technology and partnerships are ready. In the meantime, constituents may wonder how equitable the Mobility Hubs paradigm will be. LADOT staff claim that the 3-Year Mobility Hubs Pilot will help low-income residents to connect with microtransit options, but will it be enough?
The Mobility Hubs infrastructure may help ensure ease of commuting, especially for those who are unaware of all the transportation options available, but Mobility Hubs will only support travelers who can physically go to the hubs and use them. What about underserved residents who live further away from a rail line? What about older residents or Limited-English speaking travelers—will they be comfortable using a digital kiosk? While Mobility Hubs may offer new benefits to some disadvantaged residents, LADOT staff must still search for more holistic solutions. It seems that MaaS will really only be useful to those that can access a personal smartphone with one app that holds the key to all existing mobility options. Perhaps when LADOT staff better understand how to integrate all available mobility services together, they can also consider subsidizing personal MaaS devices for low-income residents.
Source: https://bikehub.com/la/

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