Bus Stop Blues

Beyond mere functional spaces, well-designed and comfortable bus stops can play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall rider experience and can subsequently boost ridership. A study from the University of Utah found that improved bus stops (i.e. those with benches and/or shelters) experienced a 92% increase in ridership than those that went unimproved.

Nevertheless, many cities do not provide riders with seating at transit stops. For example, only half of all bus stops in Los Angeles feature a bench. It was also found that many of the stops along high-ridership corridors in Minneapolis lack seating.

This can pose a problem, especially for riders with limited mobility or in locations that experience extreme temperatures. Only about 50 of the 800-or-so bus shelters in Minneapolis feature heating. When the weather plunges during the winter months, waiting for a bus at an unheated stop can not only be unpleasant, but also dangerous.

Improved bus stops with shelters and designated seating areas have the potential to transform public transportation from a mere functional necessity to an attractive and user-friendly mode of travel. Small improvements, such as adding a bench, can boost the rider experience and help make transit a more accessible option for all.