Culling Transit Stops to Improve System Performance

TransitCenter has released a guide for transit agencies looking to implement bus stop balancing campaigns. Bus stop balancing is a strategy to eliminate bus stops and speed up travel times, and it has proven effective in cities such as San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

"This method is inexpensive and could improve practically any fixed bus route. But it needs to be undertaken carefully, because it can be alarming for riders to have their regular bus stop moved, especially without proper warning and a clear explanation of the benefits," writes Angie Schmitt.

The guide suggests that agencies have a strong public outreach plan, with the criteria for removal clearly outlined and a focus on stops with low ridership and a lack of amenities. Agencies should also be ambitious about removal, involve bus drivers in the process to identify stops for elimination, and commit to providing more amenities at remaining stops.