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The continuing growth in passenger transport and the associated increase in CO 2 emissions remain major challenges for our society. Shifting passenger transport to more sustainable modes of transportation contributes to addressing this challenge. Multimodal transportation hubs (MMTHs) coordinate and integrate different modes of transportation by improving transfers between them. In addition, MMTHs offer a high quality of stay with a wide range of services, as well as a compact, mixed-use urban development with a high density of uses around them. The transformation of railway stations and their environments into MMTHs is addressed in discussions of transit-oriented development (TOD) and the concept of "node and place." However, there is a lack of a systemic approach that structures the problem involving the different worldviews of the actors. In addition, the necessary changes and measures are largely unknown. Based on the soft systems methodology (SSM), we conducted 20 SSM interviews and two SSM workshops (n = 10 each). Our results show that the problem can be structured into the three layers of "national long-term integrated optimization of the passenger transport sector and spatial development," "local short-to medium-term planning and implementation," and a "regional, bidirectional transfer by policy-making and planning." The transfer layer between the national, long-term and local, short-term worldviews is key and must be strengthened. Furthermore, we present systemically desirable and culturally feasible measures for each layer to improve the current situation of the transformation—a national MMTH program, creating an overarching vision, a caretaker for local implementation to coordinate the interests of actors, and collaborative development of regional master plans and an explorative approach to ensure bidirectional exchanges between the national and local layers. Although the structuring of the problem and the measures were developed from a Swiss viewpoint, we expect that the results will also be useful for other decentralized states. • Structures the problem of transforming railway stations and their surroundings into multimodal transportation hubs (MMTHs). • Help actors responsible or affected to perceive different worldviews and develop a common understanding. • Present systemically desirable and culturally feasible measures to improve the current situation of the transformation. • A regional "bidirectional transfer layer" between the local, and the national worldviews needs to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The redevelopment of railway stations calls for the integration of many different objectives. Two crucial challenges thereby are the development of a common system understanding among the multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests and the structured definition of comprehensive assessment criteria. Defining the functions of the system railway station, i.e. discussing what the system should do, can support solving these challenges. Based on a review of Swiss railway stations in a transdisciplinary research project applying four focus groups (n=38), 28 expert interviews and two expert workshops, we present a structured framework of five generic functions of railway stations and their interdependencies. The five generic functions are: linking catchment area and transport network, supporting transfer between modes of transport, facilitating commercial use of real estate, providing public space, and contributing to the identity of the surrounding area. Potential conflicts between functions are identified. They concern the competition of multiple functions for space, for customer attention or for revenues as well as increasing system complexities with station size. We illustrate how the framework of functions can be used to foster a common system understanding and to develop assessment criteria. Although elaborated from a Swiss perspective the framework is perceived adaptable to railway stations of other countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]