Mobility hubs are often seen as places where different transport modes come together. But their role is rapidly expanding. Across the Netherlands, mobility hubs are increasingly being developed as places that improve access to work, education, healthcare and local services, helping to strengthen accessibility, liveability and social inclusion.
Geplaatst op 08 september 2026
Traffic management, mobility data, collaboration and digital information all serve a common purpose: helping people access destinations, services and opportunities more easily.
This brings us to a topic that is becoming increasingly important for cities and regions alike: mobility hubs.
At first glance, a mobility hub is a place where different modes of transport come together, such as bicycles, public transport, shared mobility and parking facilities. Increasingly, however, mobility hubs are about much more than transport alone.
For many cities and regions, the real challenge is not simply mobility, but a broader question: How do we ensure people retain access to work, education, healthcare, shops and social activities?
Both urban and rural areas face growing accessibility challenges. In cities, pressures arise from limited space, urbanisation and housing development. Rural regions, meanwhile, often face declining local amenities and changes in public transport provision.
As a result, the discussion around mobility hubs is increasingly shifting from transport towards broader societal goals, including:
- Access to jobs and education
- Access to healthcare
- Availability of local amenities
- Social connection
- Liveable villages, neighbourhoods and cities
In the Netherlands, a growing number of initiatives combine mobility with a wider range of services and functions. Examples include hubs where public transport, shared mobility, parcel services, workspaces, meeting facilities and local amenities come together in one location.
These hubs are also increasingly being developed as part of a wider network, with neighbourhood, district, city and regional hubs complementing one another and creating stronger connections across regions.
What often stands out to international visitors is that Dutch mobility hubs are increasingly designed around societal needs rather than infrastructure alone. The focus is shifting towards the functions a hub can fulfil for residents, travellers and local communities.
This makes mobility hubs relevant not only for mobility professionals, but also for policymakers working on housing, healthcare, liveability and regional development.
Perhaps this is the most significant shift of all: The mobility hub of the future connects not only transport modes, but also people, services and communities.
In that sense, mobility hubs bring together many of the themes explored throughout this series, demonstrating how smart mobility can contribute to broader societal objectives.