Bus Shelter Redesign

Public Transit’s Role in Active Living

Planning for an Active Buffalo
Studies have proven, walking to and from public transit directly
increases levels of physical activity and reduces levels of obesity. 29% of Americans who walk to public transit achieve the
The purpose of this study is to suggest design recommendations Surgeon General’s recommended ≥30 minutes of physical
to improve NFTA bus shelters and promote public transit as a activity just by walking to and from public transit1.
healthy, alternative mode of transportation.

Taking Public Increased Less Money Spent

Obesity costs an extra $48,000
in health care costs per
person where $35,200 is paid for by Medicare and other public
Transportation Physical Activity on
sources2.
& Obesity Related
Lower Obesity Costs

$ $ $ Walking to and from public transit can save $10,000 in

obesity related helth care costs in a person’s lifetime2.

Existing Conditions & Issues

NFTA Metro Bus Shelter at Main & Division Streets The current NFTA bus shelter presents a challenge for new riders,
while continuing riders might also experience some difficulties in
their commute. After examining the existing bus shelter conditions,
there are a number of issues that might inhibit or discourage new
users and confuse continuing users from taking NFTA Metro Bus.

Issue 1: Lack of Information Issue 2: Lack of Direct Lighting

The existing NFTA bus shelter lacks essential
necessities that might discouage bus ridership.
Blank advertisement portrays
the image of neglect.
• No schedule information.
• No individual or regional bus route map(s).
• No “station name” sign.
• Customer service number confusing
The only bus information for first time passengers
that users are provided.
• No direct bus shelter lighting to provide
a greater perception of safety.
• Direct bus shelter lighting decreases
accidental drive-bys.

MEASUREMENTS Issue 3: Lack of Seating Issue 4: Lack of Universal Bus Sign

Front View Side View • Not enough seating to meet demand • In accordance with Americans with
of transit passengers at certain stops. Disabilities Act (ADA), a shelter
The measurements of the bus should include a pictogram indicating
shelter. One seat occupies an
approximate 20”. Since there that the shelter is a bus stop3.
is about 80” of space between
the advertisement panel and
Free to Roam:

the closest seat, an additional

44½” one or two seats can be
Issue 5: Awkward Advertising Issue 6: Small Shelter Width
5¾” added provided that 40” be • Advertising NFTA info • In accordance with the design principles
reserved for wheelchair like
17½” (website/phone number) 3 times at of Universal Design, a shelter should be
vehicles (minimum 36”)3. The
shelter width does not con- the same shelter. 9’ long and 5’ wide3. The existing shelter
79” 19½” 19½” 11¼” form with Universal Design • NFTA ad panel could be used for a is only a little larger than 4’ wide (49”).
49” standards of 5’ (60”)3.
different ad to generate revenue.

Best Practices
Toronto
Solar Power, LED Lighting & Weather-Proof Design
• Solar power does not add extra expenses to the city’s
electrical bill, but pumps excess electricity back into its grid4.
• Estimated to save $200 per shelter / per year in electricity5.
• LED lighting is energy efficient, can last up to 100,000
hours, and can withstand temperatures -22°F - 122°F6.
• The enclosed shelter on all four sides protect passengers from incliment
weather. The tilted roof also forces rain and snow to fall behind the shelter.
• Also features: bus station name, clear transit schedules and maps.
San Francisco
NextBus (GPS Technology) & WiFi
• Real time next bus displays indicating when the next bus will
arrive along with a push-to-talk system for visually impaired7.
• Passengers are able to make informed decisions by
knowing exactly how much longer they have to wait.
• WiFi enables passengers to view real time next bus information online from
from their wireless enabled device and provides passengers a more convenient commute.
• Also features: 75% recycled materials used for steel frame & 40% post industrial recycled
materials for red polycarbonate roof reduce maintenance costs & resist problems7.

Design Recommendations / Further Study

Recommendations
1) Installation of solar panels or PV cells to generate solar power.
2) L.E.D. lighting - advertisement panels or direct lighting above. Lighting should
provide 2 to 5 footcandles and be able to illuminate bus patron’s faces3. Light
sources should also be vandal-proof, but easily maintained (not exposed).
3) NextBus / GPS technology & WiFi.
4) Enclosed Design/tilted roof to protect from wind and inclement weather.
5) Installation of bus route, schedule information, universal bus pictogram, and bus station
name. Ensure they are easily legible for persons with wheelchairs or visual impairments.
6) More seating for stops with higher ridership.
Issues to be considered for Further Study
1) Universal Design versus Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements:
Universal Design involves designing for all, not just individuals with disabilities.
2) Heated bus shelters / heated seating: Potential to provide a more comfortable bus
commute during Buffalo’s cold, wintery season.
3) NFTA bus route maps: According to an article in the Buffalo Rising, current
NFTA maps are unclear8. A potential redesign to make maps more legible might
make transit passengers feel more comfortable in their commute.
4) Futuristic bus stops such as the “Eyestop” by MIT’s Sensible Lab are an innovative
way to look at bus shelter redesigns9. The shelter includes a touch screen for
interactive trip planning, community notice board, tourist information, & grafitti.

Cost Implications
While the installation and maintenance of modernized shelters might require a upfront Cities like New York10 and San Francisco7 have signed advertising contracts with businesses
capital investments, cities are looking to private, outdoor advertising companies to like Cemusa and Clear Channel. In return for control of the advertising or a portion of ad
help alleviate the cost of the project and are getting them installed free of charge. revenue, these companies agree to install and maintan the shelters free of charge.
PD450 SUNY at Buffalo Fall 2009 R. Chetti