How to Build a Better Bus Stop

TransitCenter's new "From Sorry to Superb" report details the ways transit agencies can improve that critical element of bus service: the bus stop.

"From Sorry to Superb" details how transit agencies and cities build great bus stops by showcasing ways in which transit agencies can work with city staff. Case studies, informed by policy documents and interviews with experts, explore how five regions — Minneapolis St-Paul, Portland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and New York City — manage their bus stops.

According to the report, declining bus and transit ridership require immediate attention to the condition of bus stops. Research suggests that better stops and walks to stops can encourage ridership and improve the transit experience.

As for what makes a bus stop a success, when done right, the report lists "amenities such as benches, shelters, and trash cans; information on schedules, service, wayfinding; and sidewalks and lighting nearby."

The report then recommends action items for cities and transit agencies, organized into a five-step list.