How Service Expansion at Transport Hubs Attracts More Footfall

Transport hubs, such as train, coach and bus stations are no longer just places of transit; they are evolving into multifunctional centres that offer a wide range of services and amenities to travellers.

In today’s travel industry, passengers are increasingly looking for seamless, convenient, and enjoyable travel experiences, and transport hubs are recognising that expanding their service offerings can help attract more footfall, improve passenger satisfaction, and create new revenue streams. By going beyond traditional transportation services and offering a range of additional services, transport hubs can become destinations in their own right and enhance their role as economic drivers in their communities.

There are a number of ways to improve public transportation stations, in this blog, we’ll explore a few of the benefits of service expansion at transport hubs and provide some examples of innovative strategies that transport operators can use to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Benefit 1: Revenue Generation

A benefit of service expansion is the potential for increased revenue streams. By offering additional services, transport operators can generate new sources of income beyond just transportation fees. For example, retail stores and food and beverage options can generate significant revenue for transport hubs, particularly if they are strategically located and offer unique products or experiences. Additionally, transport operators can partner with other businesses to offer services such as car rental, hotel booking, and tourism activities, further expanding their revenue potential.

A great way to generate revenue even when space is limited is by hosting a parcel locker. These smart parcel management systems act as a hub for carriers and consumers to deliver and collect parcels from. They are usually fully automated, so unlike some other services, they don’t require any additional labour.

Benefit 2: Better Customer Experience

To unlock the full potential of service expansion at transport hubs, operators must adopt innovative strategies that respond to changing customer needs and preferences. For example, some hubs have begun offering wellness services, such as yoga studios and meditation rooms, to help travellers relax and de-stress before or after travel. Other transport hubs have introduced interactive art installations and cultural exhibits to provide a more engaging and memorable experience for travellers.

Benefit 3: Attract More Footfall

By becoming a hub for more than just transportation links, there is a high possibility that more people in the community will use the location as an intended destination even if they have no need for the transport service. Our research shows that consumers want to trip-chain (combine multiple tasks or activities into one trip, rather than making several individual trips), so being able to grab a coffee, drop off some laundry, pick up a parcel and catch a train all in one trip is the ultimate convenience.

Benefit 4: Greater Environmental Responsibility

Another strategy is to focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. By incorporating green initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and waste reduction, transport operators can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while also reducing operating costs. Additionally, by enabling customers to trip-chain and achieve multiple errands in one location, rather than making numerous trips to different places can help to reduce traffic in the community.

We hope this blog has inspired you to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation at your transport hub. If you’re interested in learning more about how becoming a parcel locker host can benefit your transport hub, the Parcel Pending by Quadient team can help you get started.

 

 

 

Photo by Dele Oke on Unsplash