California’s Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) launched the development of Mobility Hubs at three light rail stations.

The groundbreaking initiative has been made possible through the receipt of $1.7 million in federal grant funding from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

Additionally, the Sac Metro Air District may contribute up to $3 million to further bolster the benefits and amenities of these Mobility Hubs, including enhancements such as landscaping, lighting, and other infrastructure improvements.

To kick start this project, the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Program (STEP) granted $500,000 for the creation of a Mobility Hub Implementation Plan, which will be led by Civic Thread.

SacRT’s Mobility Hub

The SacRT Mobility Hub Implementation Plan will be a community-driven approach to identify and site which of SacRT’s light rail stations should be prioritized for inclusion in the Sacramento Region’s 52 mobility hubs.

The first three pilot locations have already been identified as part of the partnership with the Sac Metro Air District and Clean Cities.

The Mobility Hubs will serve as vital community hubs, strategically located within disadvantaged neighborhoods, and will offer a multitude of transportation options aimed at reducing reliance on gas-powered and single-occupancy vehicles.

Among the amenities provided at these hubs are EV carshare, bike and scooter share services, EV charging stations, carpool/vanpool connections, and electric microtransit shuttles.

“We are excited to embark on this journey toward creating Mobility Hubs that will serve as vibrant community centers, fostering sustainable transportation options and connectivity within our region,” said Henry Li, SacRT GM/CEO. “Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, SacRT is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents while leading the charge towards a greener, more equitable future.”

More to Come

This pilot project represents the first phase of a larger mobility initiative led by the Sac Metro Air District, aiming to introduce up to 52 Mobility Hubs across the Sacramento region.

Over a two-year period, SacRT will work on collaborating with EV vendors, acquiring electric shuttles, and engaging in extensive community outreach to gather input on the features and services desired at each Mobility Hub. The project is anticipated to kick-off in the summer or fall of 2024.

The goal is to develop, demonstrate, and document the benefits, effectiveness, and sustainability of e-mobility hubs, with a focus on providing zero-emission equity for disadvantaged communities.