A Comprehensive Guide to Implement a Mobility Hub for Multifamily Households in Palo Alto, CA to Reduce Vehicles Miles Traveled and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

Transportation is Palo Alto’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, while the city’s goal of reducing emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 is complicated by uneven access to EV charging, especially for multifamily residents. Commissioned by the City of Palo Alto, this project develops a planning framework and pilot concept for a mobility hub that combines public EV charging, shared micromobility, secure bike parking, transit connections, and placemaking amenities near multifamily neighborhoods. Drawing on international and domestic case studies as well as local zoning, land-use, and EV-adoption data, the study finds that hub success depends less on the number of services provided than on how well they match actual travel patterns, with proximity to multifamily housing and high-frequency transit emerging as the strongest predictor of sustained mode shift. Based on these findings, the report proposes a four-category design framework, evaluates three pilot sites, recommends 3997 Fabian Way as the strongest candidate, and outlines a performance and community-engagement roadmap to support Palo Alto’s equity and climate goals.