Transit Stop Improvements

Transit stop improvements can encompass a range of installations to improve comfort for transit riders, increase the speed and reliability of transit routes, and/or reduce conflicts between transit riders, people biking, and vehicles. Common quick build transit stop improvements include modular bus boarding platforms, temporary transit shelters or street furniture, or transit stop beautification. A bus boarding platform refers to when the bus stop waiting area is separated from the sidewalk by a bicycle lane. These installations can make both bus and bike movements more comfortable and efficient by eliminating merging conflicts between the bus and bikes and reducing the need for buses to pull off the roadway at the stop. Conflicts between people getting on and off the bus and cyclists passing through do occur at bus boarding platforms and should be considered in the treatment’s ultimate design, visibility and communication.

A photo of a modular bus boarding platform. 
 A photo of a modular bus boarding platform.
Washington, D.C. (Kittelson & Associates, Inc.) Amelia Street, Orlando, FL (City of Orlando)

 

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

  • Increase safety (pedestrian and bicycle)
  • Invite public use
  • Improve business
  • Improve travel options

Typical Applications

  • Bus stops on roadways with existing bicycle facilities and/or existing on-street parking
  • Bus stops that currently lack basic amenities such as shelter or seating

Material Options

Design Considerations

  • For bus boarding platforms, provide accessible ramps leading to the platform and adequate space for transit riders to wait, board, and alight.
  • Raising the bike lane through the bus stop, additional signs, and other markings can help reduce bicyclist speeds and encourage yielding to crossing pedestrians
  • Ensure temporary shelter or furniture is accessible to pedestrians with mobility impairments
  • Accessible boarding areas are typically 8 feet by 5 feet wide
  • Bicycle lanes adjacent to the bus boarding platform may be narrowed (to a min. of 5 feet) to slow bicycle traffic and reduce conflicts
  • Extend length of bus boarding platform if articulated buses use stop

Other Considerations

  • Opportunity for placemaking via a “stoplet” (multipurpose parklet)
  • Accessibility of the sidewalks, curb ramps, and the platform, particularly for pedestrians with visual impairments
  • Coordination with LYNX

Other Resources

Related Information

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