Plymouth mobility hub earns gold standard from UK’s shared transport charity

A mobility hub in Plymouth which makes it easier for people to travel sustainably has earned gold standard accreditation from the UK’s national shared transport charity.

The Connect Plymouth Hub on Mayflower Street incorporates its own fleet of e-bikes, an electric car club vehicle, and an accompanying set of rapid EV charging stations.

The facility is also served by a bus stop carrying real-time travel information, while the city’s coach station is only 50 metres away, allowing for easy onwards travel.

The hub, which opened in March, has now been awarded gold standard accreditation by Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), the UK’s national shared transport charity.

Mobility hubs bring together a range of transport options and community services in a single, attractive place, making it easier for people to travel without using private cars.

Placed strategically in key travel corridors, they can seamlessly connect schemes such as shared bikes, e-scooters and car clubs with public transport and other active travel options.

Mobility hubs are a common sight in many European and North American cities and are increasingly popular in the UK, with dozens more being planned by Plymouth City Council.

The Mayflower Street hub has room for expansion, allowing the range of services offered to be increased in future, and there are also plans to develop a children’s play facility nearby.

Located beside Plymouth Central Library, people using the hub have easy access to public toilets and tourist information, as well as nearby cafés, shops, and other amenities.

CoMoUK has created a set of standards for assessing the quality of mobility hubs across the country, ensuring that they are safe, accessible, and offer a choice of transport modes.

Gold accreditation is awarded to hubs that not only fulfil all the essential criteria, but also offer users a series of other desirable elements on top.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: 
“Plymouth is setting a great example for other UK cities by embracing mobility hubs, and the Mayflower Street facility is a shining example which will no doubt prove very popular.

“Thanks to their flexibility and modest size, mobility hubs are a brilliant way of putting sustainable transport options right in the heart of bustling cities.

“They make it far easier for both locals and tourists to get around, creating seamless links between public transport and schemes such as shared e-bikes and car clubs.

“They also reclaim space for green and convenient modes of transport that is usually taken up by private cars, helping to cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the process.

“We congratulate Plymouth City Council on its ambitions in this area and hope its example will be followed by local leaders in other towns and cities who want to improve their urban environments.”

Councillor John Stephens, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, said:

“We’re incredibly proud that Plymouth’s Mayflower Street hub has received gold standard accreditation from CoMoUK.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to making sustainable travel not just possible, but practical and appealing for everyone.

“We are committed to enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.”