Mobility Hubs Hold Promise for Small-Scale TOD
- Josh Stephens
- Jun 10, 2025
- 5 min read
If California High Speed Rail becomes operational, it would create arguably the most massive opportunities for transit oriented development the United States has ever seen. But, even at full build-out, not every city will have a high-speed rail station. And, the way things are going, maybe none will.
On the other end of the transportation spectrum, where investments are minuscule by comparison, are mobility hubs. Rather than billion-dollar stations, mobility hubs might consist of a few bike lockers, a scooter corral, or a bus bay. Rather than serve trainsets that go 200 miles per hour, they rely on modes like electric scooters and the humble city bus.
Collectively, mobility hubs could serve just as many people across California as do heavy infrastructure like light rail and present many transit-oriented development opportunities. Transportation planning organizations across the state are promoting them enthusiastically.
"As we see the future, where we're not going to be expanding freeways, we're going to need a little more transit capacity, and that's how we're going to be able to enhance mobility in the region," said Kome Ajise, executive director of the Southern California Association of Governments. "Mobility hubs help to stage that particular concept of transit. It's about bringing together multiple modes into one location."
