Transport Focus has published results of its survey of 3,276 bus users, which it says highlights the opportunity for improving the bus shelter environment.
The report was published in partnership with out-of-home media and infrastructure company Clear Channel, which says in the publication that it is time for a “ground-up rethink” on bus shelter design.
The authors conclude that the research “illustrates that, whilst passengers are at present broadly satisfied with bus shelters, there are several ways in which the shelter environment can be further developed and enhanced”.
Neil Chapman, Product Design Director – UK and Europe, for Clear Channel, which operates more than 22,000 bus shelters in the UK in partnership with over 180 councils and transport authorities, says: “We recognise that many of our bus shelters are iterations based on legacy designs dating back many years and driven by the status quo or local design and tender requirements.
“In fact, the bus shelter has not had a ground-up rethink for 50 years. Our aim is to change that.”
The survey found 75% of frequent bus users are satisfied with the accessibility of the bus shelter that they use most often and 48% are satisfied with its safety, but that only 29% are satisfied with its comfort.
Expanding on accessibility, 65% of passengers with a visual impairment find it fairly or very difficult to use bus shelters. Meanwhile, 61% of passengers with a mobility impairment find it fairly or very difficult to use bus shelters.
Among other key findings, 68% of bus users feel the bus shelter they use most often is about the right size but 30% believe it is too small.
Asked about things they would like to see within bus shelters, rubbish bins came out top with 54% picking it as one of their three allowed answers.
The survey found that 53% felt there should be priority seating at bus shelters. Only 15% agreed that seating at bus shelters was comfortable.
When asked open questions about improvements to their bus shelter, the report’s authors note that improved seating, protection from the weather, and the provision of real-time information tended to be most highly rated.
Louise Collins, Transport Focus Director says: “Bus shelters matter to passengers. A well-designed bus shelter offers more than just a place to wait for a bus – it can turn a journey into a pleasant, safe, and comfortable experience.
“Effective shelters protect passengers from adverse weather conditions, provide comfortable seating, good quality accurate information and ensure safety and accessibility for all users.”
The publication of the report follows a call in December 2024 by Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) for a “national bus stop standard”. CBT’s report said many bus stops are “poorly maintained”, and do not provide the most basic amenities and information.
