While some rail stations get the starchitect treatment, most bus stops fail to offer aesthetic value. One study suggests this is a mistake.
An Italian study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives shows that the aesthetics of bus stops can affect how likely riders are to use them. As Sonja Wind notes in Bloomberg CityLab, the researchers used virtual reality helmets to offer bus riders two different experiences.
According to lead author Armando Cartenì, “It means that there are other attributes, in addition to the traditional ones of waiting time, travel time and ticket cost, to attract users to bus transport.” The study found that respondents were willing to pay an extra 25 to 40 percent for fares to use more attractive facilities.
“Apart from increasing passenger satisfaction and ticket revenue, building more attractive bus facilities would draw more riders to public transportation, reducing emissions and congestion associated with private car use.” Yet, especially in the United States, most bus stops have minimal facilities like shade and seating, let alone aesthetic elements.
FULL STORY: What a Beautiful Bus Stop Can Do
NYC Secures Funding for Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement
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LA Begins Adding New Bus Shelters
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
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Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
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Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions