Handreiking eHUBS – Guidelines for Neighborhood Mobility Hubs in Amsterdam
The Handreiking eHUBS is an official technical reference document published by the Gemeente Amsterdam (City of Amsterdam). It synthesizes the findings, lessons learned, and tools developed during the four-year BuurtHubs pilot project (2019–2022). This project was conducted as part of the broader European eHUBS initiative, funded by Interreg North-West Europe, involving a consortium of over 20 partners including eight pilot cities, knowledge institutions, and mobility providers. The document functions as a municipal guidance manual for the implementation of local shared electric mobility points within urban environments.
The document's scope covers the regulatory, technical, and social frameworks required to establish a BuurtHub—a dedicated neighborhood location offering various forms of electric shared transport, primarily intended for local residents. The guidance details specific project categories such as Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), including shared electric bikes, cargo bikes (bakfietsen), and scooters. It provides a structured methodology divided into two primary parts: a strategic evaluation of the Amsterdam pilots (Part 1) and a technical toolkit including the 14-step realization plan, data exchange protocols through the City Data Standard – Mobility (CDS-M), and spatial modeling tools developed by TNO and TU Delft.
Professional stakeholders, including urban planners and mobility experts, can utilize this document to navigate the complexities of site selection, resident participation, and technical infrastructure requirements. The manual integrates behavioral science via the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) toolkit and aligns with the STOMP principle for sustainable urban movement.
Definition and Functional Scope of BuurtHubs
A BuurtHub is defined as a specific neighborhood location where multiple forms of electric shared transport are clustered. The primary objective is to facilitate a transition from private vehicle ownership to shared usage, thereby reducing the space required for stationary cars in the public domain.
- Shared Electric Vehicles: Includes electric cars, shared e-bikes, and electric cargo bikes (bakfietsen).
- Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs): Compact electric scooters and other light shared mobility devices.
- Target Audience: Primary focus on local residents, with secondary availability for visitors.
- Spatial Contribution: Aims to improve air quality and neighborhood livability by replacing private car parking with green space or shared mobility infrastructure.
The 14-Step Realization Plan
The guidance outlines a concrete stappenplan (step-by-step plan) for the physical implementation of hubs, categorized into a participation phase and a realization phase.
- Step 1.1 - 5 (Participation): Focuses on neighborhood demand, location selection, and broadening community support through resident communication.
- Step 6 - 10 (Provider Selection): Inviting transport providers, organizing a voting process for residents, and determining the mobility mix.
- Step 11 - 14 (Technical Realization): Technical drawings, application for charging infrastructure (taking 3 to 6 months), and assignment for Stadswerken (City Works).
Technical Standards and Data Protocols
To ensure interoperability and secure operations, the document mandates specific standards for data exchange and spatial design.
- City Data Standard – Mobility (CDS-M): A secure protocol for sharing mobility data between providers and municipal authorities to inform policy based on actual usage.
- TADA Values: A framework of six ethical values (including inclusive, transparent, and human scale) used to test the social impact of technological urban interventions.
- STOMP Principle: An acronym for Stappen (Walking), Trappen (Cycling), OV (Public Transport), MaaS (Mobility as a Service), and Privé-auto (Private Car), establishing a hierarchy for urban transport planning.
- Identity and Design: National design standards for wayfinding and hub branding developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between a Commercial and a Cooperative BuurtHub?
A Commerciële BuurtHub utilizes existing market providers chosen by residents from a menu, whereas a Coöperatieve BuurtHub involves residents managing and owning the vehicles themselves, often through a lease construction.
How long does it take to arrange charging infrastructure for a new hub?
According to Step 11 of the realization plan, requesting and installing the necessary charging infrastructure can take between 3 to 6 months.
How does the City of Amsterdam select the locations for BuurtHubs?
Locations are selected based on municipal checks by the Ruimte en Regie department, taking into account parking pressure, loading possibilities, and planned maintenance, often using the Decision Support Tool developed by TU Delft.
What role does resident participation play in the hub's development?
Residents are involved in choosing the location and the types of providers; however, the evaluation noted that participation is most effective for cooperative models and less decisive for the usage rates of commercial shared transport.
What is the impact of BuurtHubs on car ownership according to the evaluation?
The evaluation concluded that shared mobility alone does not motivate car owners to dispose of their vehicles; additional policies like increased parking rates or environmental zones are required to achieve a significant shift.
How many parking spaces are typically replaced by a BuurtHub?
A standard BuurtHub typically occupies the space of 3 to 4 parking spots; larger hubs of 6 to 8 spots are discouraged in favor of two smaller, distributed locations.
