A Better Bus Stop: Big Ideas From Transit Riders for a Better Wait

Streetsblog has been calling attention to the dismal state of transit waiting areas with our Sorriest Bus Stop in America tournament. Transit riders have to put up with conditions that no one should stand for — bus stops with nothing to sit on and no shelter, bus stops by dangerous, high-speed roads with no sidewalks, even “secret” bus stops with no visible marker that they exist.

Every bus stop ought to be a safe, comfortable place to wait for the bus, and riders across the country have ideas about how to go a few steps further than that. Bus riders in 10 cities have proposed some creative ways to improve bus stops in the annual “Trick Out My Trip” crowdfunding initiative from ioby (“in our backyards”). Through the end of this week, all the funds raised for these bus stop improvements will receive a match of up to $10,000 from TransitCenter.

Here’s a look at what bus riders are proposing in three cities. You can check out all 10 bus stop ideas (and give generously) at ioby. The matching period ends Friday.

Memphis: Bus Stops as Bike Repair Stations

Volunteers in Memphis are raising money to install bike racks and bike repair stations at three bus stops in key locations. These will help address the “last mile” problem by making it easier to bike to the bus.

The Memphians want to add schedule information to stops as well. In their pitch, the team writes:

There is no clear communication around MATA’s scheduling unless you are able to visit one of our transit centers or have internet access to view schedules online. And for a number of Memphians, that can prove to be quite difficult.

Cleveland: Bus Stops as Outdoor Gyms

“Bus Stop Moves,” led by Cleveland resident Ally Lukacsy, will wrap bus shelters with diagrams showing simple exercises riders can do while waiting. The vinyl wraps will be added at 10 bus stops in neighborhoods with high rates of obesity or heart disease. In addition to the exercise diagrams, the displays will show the location of nearby recreation centers and parks.

New Orleans: Bus Shelters With Style

The Arts Council of New Orleans wants to enlist creative high school students in the effort to design and build bus stops and shelters on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Right now bus riders have to wait on their feet, exposed to the elements, on this busy transit thoroughfare. The funds raised will provide students who lead the project with a generous stipend for their contribution.