What are The Characteristics of A Good Bus Shelter and Its Design?

A well designed and built bus shelter is an essential part of any urban transit system or employee shuttle program.  A good shelter is one that is low maintenance and is damage-resistant. In addition, an ideal bus shelter is the one that allows visibility, easy access to the bus, and provides a comfortable atmosphere for bus riders. A well-designed, comfortable shelter can make waiting for a bus pleasant — and even interesting.

While most of us might not give them a second thought, there are key differences that determine a good bus shelter from a bad one.

Let’s check other characteristics:

Quality construction

A good bus shelter should be made from sturdy, quality materials that are designed to last a long time. As well as withstanding the effects of the sun, wind and rain, the shelter should not easily rust, rot or corrode. By choosing high-quality components for a bus shelter, users can also feel safe, secure and protected when standing under it. Our BDS Bus Shelter comes with a steel frame and additional option of added seating, furthermore it can also be powder coated with any colour and galvanised or for extra protection against corrosion.

Low maintenance

The materials used to construct a bus shelter should add years to its life, but they should also make it easy to maintain. Where parts need to be replaced or fixed over time, this should be straightforward to achieve, without the need to fully dismantle the whole shelter.

Vandal-proof

Sadly, bus shelters are often prime targets for vandals. That’s why they use of robust, vandal-proof materials is so important when considering the design and construction of bus shelters.

Fit for purpose

A good bus shelter should be fit for purpose and accommodate the demands of its users. For example, size is an important consideration, where a larger bus shelter may be needed in a busy, city centre location compared to a rural area. The style of the bus shelter should also blend in well with the local area, in particular, with regards to choosing a modern or more traditional design. Our Topaz Bus Shelter has both elegance and simplicity without sacrificing quality.

Location

While aesthetics are key when considering what makes a good bus shelter, it’s also necessary to take into account how practical the stop is for users. Location is pivotal when deciding where to place a bus shelter. It should be in a handy spot, set back from the kerb and walkways, preferably with easy access exit and entry points that are out of the prevailing wind.

Visible

Crucially, bus stop users should be able to see through the shelter to identify when a bus is approaching, even if they are sat down. All of the shelters available in our Shelter Store can be powder coated with any colour and galvanised for extra protection against corrosion, which makes it a perfect bus shelter.

Comfortable and secure

A good bus shelter should be a comfortable, safe and secure place to sit and wait for the next bus. Seating provision is important and should be in relation to how much the shelter gets used. There should be panels on the walls of the shelter to provide timetable information. Lighting is key, too, especially for those shelters located in areas that get very dark at night. Increasingly, solar lighting on bus shelters is proving a highly eco-friendly option. CCTV can also be incorporated into bus shelters to provide safety reassurance for users.