Researchers at Auckland University’s School of Architecture and Planning have received funding from Waka Kotahi’s innovation fund to trial a six-month programme to base a micro-mobility hub at Glen Eden train station with escooters, ebikes and powered secure bike parking. Thanks to Timothy F. Welch from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland for providing this update.
To deliver the project the University of Auckland has partnered with Beam (shared escooter and ebike rentals), and Big Street Bikers (secure bike parking, e-charging and wayfinding stations known as a “Locky Dock”), with the cooperation of Auckland Transport and support from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
Research shows that the ready availability of micromobility devices such as shared scooters and ebikes or easy access to secure scooters and bike parking dramatically increases the likelihood of a non-car trip to or from public transport. Recent evidence suggests that access to micromobility ebikes and escooter can replace over 25 per cent of car trips.
The Glen Eden Train Station Micromobility Hub installed in August currently consists of a Locky Dock station with solar panels, offering secure bike and scooter parking with outlets for ebike charging and high visibility wayfinding to enhance accessibility. The hub is available to the public who wish to secure their own bike or scooter before boarding the train or bus. This is particularly attractive to commuters travelling at peak times who don’t need their micromobility devices to complete their journey. Beam escooters and ebikes will be available to rent from the hub in the next few months.
The digital screen incorporated into the hub is used for climate positive media and can be used for community and Local Board notices.
Engagement for the hub has been contracted by the University to Places for People who will be liaising with local schools regarding activation events (details will be provided shortly).
The next stage of the programme is to develop a small network of shared escooters, bikes, and powered bike parking within a 3-minute walk of Glen Eden Train Station. The proposed locations for the mini hub network are Glen Eden Library and at 41 Glenmall Place. Landowner approval is underway for these locations with the aim to install the hub network early next year.
The project will determine if suburban park and ride (car) trips can be converted to micromobility trips with sufficient availability of e-scooters, ebikes, and electrified bike storage. The hub will address the first and last mile problem endemic to this suburban rail station.
It also extends the reach of the catchment area. Zero emission micromobility devices with an operating speed of 10km/h can cover nearly the entire catchment area of a one-mile (1,609 metres) trip by car in a 10-mile journey. Push bikes and ebikes can further extend that catchment area.
The project will involve data collection in user intercept surveys, observation, and data sharing between our partners. Project outputs will conclude evidence that rail and bus parking can be reduced without a significant impact on ridership, emissions reductions, mode shift, fiscal effects, health benefits, public transport and household savings that result from the micromobility hub network.
There are two events coming up to learn more about the Micromobility Hub.
