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Bus Stop design

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BusPublic Transport

DULT is on the lookout for suggestions on bus stop (shelter) design to suggest to relevant authorities. So please post as comments to this post & suggest what you wuld like to see in a bus stop shelter & also what additional features should a bus stop shelter have that will make it an attractive place. It goes without saying it shouldnt become bulky & should have as small a foot print as possible. Feel free to post images & sketches in support. 

Chances of this design getting adopted in other cities are better than in Bangalore so keep in mind that this is a statewide suggestion.

Comments

idontspam's picture

My recommendations

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Here is very detailed bus stop guidelines (not shelter)

A bus stop shelter in my opinion has to at a bare minimum include

1) Name of the bus stop has to be the largest font and clearly displayed on the front & 2 sides of the bus stop at a level of the bus window

2) Information on bus numbers which stop there with route map & destinaton. If any of our transport autorities ever make up a timetable in their liftime they should get space to display that as well

3) Bike rack for parking 10 bicycles

Other local additions to the shelter could includ things like payphone etc.

R V Raja Rao's picture

Need to demarcate the Bus Stop Limits and the Bus Track

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We also need to demarcate the Bus Stop Limits and the bus tracks near the bus stops to prevent  haphazard way of parking at the bus stops.   Mysore Bank/Majestic Stop is one of the examples of jumbled Bus Stop.   

We may also need a small bench to rest for a while.  The width of the bench should not be more than 9’’ & the length should not exceed 4’.  

srinidhi's picture

Delhi Example..

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This looks neat..pretty small foot print..looks quite functional..that is if it has things in its place..

rackstar's picture

100m footpaths both side of a stop

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BMRCL said it would lay 500m footpath on both sides of every metro station. Similarly a bus stop should have around 100m well laid footpaths on both sides, that is left and right side of a bus stop. This will give people comfort and hassle free walking as pedestrian traffic is high around a bus stop. Another missing thing is footpath behind the bus stop which is generally missing, so those who dont use bus stop have to struggle to pass a bus stop. This can not be said that footpath is work of BBMP not BMTC etc such excuses, this is a basic requirement of a bus stop.

R V Raja Rao's picture

Delhi Example

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The Delhi Example with the route map, showing the connectivity of all destinations from that bus stop along with the time table is comparable to any standards. It is good to have around 100m of well laid footpath on both sides of the bus stops, but the buses should stop within the demarcated area of the bus stop and not somewhere within 100m on both sides, that is left and right side of a bus stop.

amnbhushan's picture

Location of the bus-stops to avoid the traffic jams.

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I feel this is an important aspect that needs to be taken care of while identifying location of the bus-stops.

1. Need to ensure that there is additional space created away from the cummutation path. Currently the bus-stop near the yeswanthpur -tollgate - next to IISC is just on the road. Since there is a signal just before the bus-stop , it creates traffic jams.

2. Ensure that there is a space between opposite stops. If stops in both direction are located just opposite to each other, there is higher likelyhood of traffic jams ( unless the have suufficient clearance on the road). This is a big problem near MS Ramaiah bus-stop as well as Mathikere bus-stop.

3. It will be nice if each of the stop displays the bus numbers for the major destinations ( Say to KBS, Shivajinagar, Yeswanthpur etc.)

4.  Need to make the bus-stops -physically handicapped friendly. They should be able to get-in and have seat.

5. If it is financially feasible set-up bus-pass vending m/cs at important bus-stops. One can buy the bus-pass directly from these m/cs.

Thanks,

Bhushan

 

 

 

 

idontspam's picture

Lets focus on the shelter

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Lets focus on the shelter features, I think vending machines for bus pass is a valid suggestion, but it has to be tamper proof or only in some bus stands. Does it makes sense to have a petty shop attached? Maybe the person who mans the petty shop can maintain the surroundings. Remember this has to be a universal design which works for tier 2 cities also. I think the actual design can be suggested by architects we need to finalize a list of features that would make the bus stop a better place.

I forgot to add a mandatory dustbin to my recommendations

R V Raja Rao's picture

Bus Shelter & Demarcated Bus Stop

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Dust Bin need not form part and parcel of the Bus Shelters.   The bus track/parking/ must be reserved at every bus shelter for the benefit of commuters.  Usage of such reserved parking areas by other vehicles need to be viewed as a traffic offence.  Vending machine for bus pass/ticketing, petty shops, dust bin, suggestion box, etc, may be a good idea at Bus Terminal / Hubs and certainly not in all the bus shelters.   I am not an architect but the Delhi example/size is what I have observed in other countries as well.

idontspam's picture

Illustrations

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Dust Bin need not form part and parcel of the Bus Shelters

Dust bin/trash can is needed at every bus stop, train station, street corner & anywhere people congregate. These are the basics of civic design. It is a non negotiable in public places especially inside of town

Below is an approximate equivelant of the features I think needs to be a part, trash can on one side with bike rack on the other side. Vending machines to the side of the shelter will allow people to access it without having to displace people inside the shelter.

Information on routes & bus stops can be integrated into the outside of the bus stop shelter or on a separate pole like in the pic. The seperate signage pole with a bus stop sign on top can serve as a stand alone in places where shelter is not provided. It is important to display the name of the bus stop clearly either on the pole or on the shelter.

Displaying bus information on the inside back wall of the bus shelter has a serious disadvantage of you having to look beyond the people sitting in front of it. I have faced in it many countries, people standing & sitting inside the shetter effectively block the information boards. Unfortunately time tables in certain stops can be too big to fit on the signage pole. So only time tables can be pasted inside the shelter whereas bus routes can go on the signage pole (we dont have to worry about timetables in our country)

rackstar's picture

no signage on one side

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No signage on right side of bus stop which hinders view of an incoming bus. It should be at left side only, be it as big as nobody looks towards other side. I have to get up from my seat often to see if s bus is coming because of signage in many bus stops hinders view.

idontspam's picture

good point

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No signage on right side of bus stop which hinders view of an incoming bus. It should be at left side only

Very good point, this was an image for right side drive country. Should be flipped for India

pathykv's picture

Bus Shelters

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I have had several exchange of mails and a few personal meetings with BBMP (Advt Dept) Dy Commissioner and his engineers regarding the list of reqiurements for bus shelters.

I corresponded with BMTC also.

They both promised to incorporate the suggestions in the future.

This was a year back. Action is yet to be seen.

K.V.Pathy.

 

BUS SHELTERS- COMMUTERS' REQUIREMENTS

I.Design Features

The design should coform to Norms/Standards such as Indian Roads Congress Norms as applicable.

1. The shelter should be designed for the utility and convenience of the users/bus commuters

2. The design should protect the users from sun & rain. So the height and roof/ceiling should be made to suit the angle of the sun light and showers. The height should not be too much.

3. The name of the bus stop should be written on all three sides.

4. The name should be written in both Kannada and English.

5. The letter size should be large enough to be read from a distance.

6. The writing should be at eye level of passengers sitting inside the bus.

7. The board should be lighted suitably for easy reading at night.

8. Inside the shelter, bus route information including the destinations and time schedules should be provided.

9. In case any advertisements are allowed, the space for such ads should not exceed 50% of the total available space so that priority is given to the information required for commuters.

10.The level of the floor of the platform should at the same level of the bus floor/ steps for easy boarding and alighting of commuters, esp. senior citizens and disabled.

II. Location of Shelter

1. The location should be decided in consultation with the commuters through Commuters Forum/ Residents Association of the area.

2. The Traffic Police, BMTC and BBMP should be involved in deciding the location.

3. In general the distance between two bus stops should be approx. 500 meters.

4. The shelter should not be located too close to the traffic signal as it creates traffic jam esp. at peak hours and the buses cannot approach the stops easily.

5. Sufficient distance should be provided between the signal and the bus stop. The shelter should be preferably after the signal, not before.

6. Wherever there is more bus traffic more than one shelter should beprovided and the buses should be bifurcated according to the destinations.

7. No overtaking of buses should be allowed at bus stops.

8. To ensure that the buses stop properly humps should provided at proper locations.

9. Wherever sufficient space is available suitable approach bays should be provide so that the buses stop close to the platform without obstructing other traffic.

III. Other requirements

1. At every bus stop pedestrian crossing (zebra marking with raised level) should be provided.

2. Wherever there are one-ways the reverse route should not be more than 500 meters from the forward route. If there is no such road available the one-way should be eliminated

9:00 PM ,4/20/2010

 

 

pathykv's picture

Bus Shelter Guidelines

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These guidelines will be of interest and use to designers like DULT.

( I had sent it ealier to BMTC & BBMP. I do not know what they did with it.

K.V.Pathy.

 

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/accessibile_bus_stop_design_guidance.pdf

MaheshK's picture

Designs / photos available on the web

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There are number of existing designs / photos available on the web. Concerned DULT staff needs to take some time to go through them. This would give them a good idea of how a bus stop looks like in other countries/cities and then come up with a design that is suitable for the city. Moreover DULT needs to take suggestions from the bus users rather than from those who use two and four wheelers to commute. Hopefully DULT will be realistic and practical. 

One need to be cautious if glass is to be used around the bus stops.

 

R V Raja Rao's picture

If it works in reality it would be wonderful

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Dust bin/trash can at every bus stop is good idea as long as they are well maintained with disposable garbage bin covers etc & cleared at regular intervals at every bus stop irrespective of its location.

Vending machines at every bus shelter or only in few bus shelters?  We have machines installed at BWSSB & KPTCL counters but they are manned by some help.   Are we planning Vending machine on the same lines at every bus shelter?

The features shown in the pictures are really attractive and if it works in reality it would be wonderful.

idontspam's picture

 Moreover DULT needs to take

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 Moreover DULT needs to take suggestions from the bus users rather than from those who use two and four wheelers to commute

If you are a bus user & have some comments do post. I think DULT or any others know google & use it regularly, they also know how to do surveys of bus users,  they want to know if readers of this forum have any constructive things they want to see in a bus stop. There are bus users on this forum as well. I will forward this URL to them so they can read thru & get a consolidated view.

I had sent it ealier to BMTC & BBMP. I do not know what they did with it.

This has been requested for a state wide suggestions from the DULT side, I dont know how it will be used or who may ultimately implement it. It is good that you have written to BMTC/BBMP but is there a standards document that they can refer to where all this can get documented?

idontspam's picture

Dust bin/trash can at every

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Dust bin/trash can at every bus stop is good idea as long as they are well maintained 

Put a trash can and go behind them for cleaning. BBMP dosnt clean or rebuild roads, so do we tell them not to build roads because they dont maintain?

Are we planning Vending machine on the same lines at every bus shelter?

We have to consider this. Idont think we can put so many bus pass vending machines because these are not daily use or as frequently used. We need to put essential items which people might want to use often. It may be easier to sell bus passes thru retail stores than at the bus stop.

Would people have use for things like mobile charging points or some such thing?

R V Raja Rao's picture

Dust Bin

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I forgot to add a mandatory dustbin to my recommendations

Comments are based on the recommendations of mandatory dust bins in all the bus shelters.  Dust bins needs to be maintained.   

Are we planning Vending machine on the same lines at every bus shelter?

Daily bus pass is very popular in Bangalore.  I wanted to know whether the vending machines irrespective of its use, will be manned by some help.  

It may be easier to sell bus passes through retail stores than at the bus stop.

Who is going to bear the cost of the middleman?

I think I am deviating from the main subject ‘BUS SHELTER’.   Do not want to carry forward the dust bin issue. 

idontspam's picture

Comments are based on the

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Comments are based on the recommendations of mandatory dust bins in all the bus shelters.  Dust bins needs to be maintained. 

Dust Bin need not form part and parcel of the Bus Shelters

It follows from the above comments that you dont want dust bins at bus stops because they will not be maintained. I say to you again - one does not say, I dont want road because they are not being maintained. So now I dont understand which part of this argument is not understandable.

I think I am deviating from the main subject ‘BUS SHELTER’.   Do not want to carry forward the dust bin issue

No, dust bin is a part of the shelter, how is it off topic? I was just surprised people dont want such basics when they should be vocally campaigning for such facilities.

 I wanted to know whether the vending machines irrespective of its use, will be manned by some help. 

It follows then that the person need to be paid & hence the equivelant of a middleman charge will get added to the cost. Whats the point of vending machines if you need dedicated people standing near it?

MaheshK's picture

Bus users need to suggest

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If you are a bus user & have some comments do post. I think DULT or any others know google & use it regularly, they also know how to do surveys of bus users,  they want to know if readers of this forum have any constructive things they want to see in a bus stop. There are bus users on this forum as well. I will forward this URL to them so they can read thru & get a consolidated view.

 

That’s exactly my point. The DULT need to use google/google street to check out other designs and do surveys of bus users. Asking suggestions from 2/4 wheeler users is waste of time as they have no clue how a bus stop should be, as they dont use the bus.  I am not a regular bus user though I have sued Vajra bus number of times to go to the airport. Please do forward the URL to the bus users so that they can provide valuable/constructive suggestions.

Btw, is Ms. Manjula still heading DULT?

 

idontspam's picture

The DULT need to use

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The DULT need to use google/google street to check out other designs and do surveys of bus users

And my point is it is dumb for you to think they are not doing that. And I dont want to provide such unsolicited advise to them, they are just aksing more people they come across if they have any suggestions to make. 

On the other hand, if you are trying to send the message that people commenting here are not bus users to suggest bus shelter design, I will choose to ignore such snide remarks. I am sure it is insulting to people like MR Pathy and others who have used the bus all their life.

I can see you have opted out of providing solicited suggestions and are happy to deride people instead

Vasanth's picture

Cleanliness of Bus Stops and Bars Closeby

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One of the major problem is the cleanliness in bus stops. People will be cleaning their running noses, often simply will be spitting waiting for the buses which causes lots of irritation to other passengers. Slogans needs to be added not to spit and clean running noses.Security Guards in Major bus stops should be employed and they should punish the offenders. 

Also, usually many bars are located near bus stops and this causes lots of inconvenience to ladies during evening and night ours. Permission should be withdrawn from these bars and they should be closed. But who / which Government dares such an act?

Delhi Metro has Gazetted many rules which is also being employed for BMRCL for maintaining cleanliness. Sameway, new rules should be Gazetted by DULT to maintain cleanliness of bus stops.

Vasanth's picture

Cones for ensuring buses stop in close proximity to Bus Stops

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It is best practice to have Bus Bays and ensuring buses enter bus bay for picking up passengers. But, majority of places, there is no sufficient space to construct bus bays. Here, buses stop way ward. I daily use BMTC and many times have to cross 1 lane to get into bus risking and ignoring traffic. Often, when we are getting down the buses, two wheelers suddenly come utilizing the space buses leave between pavement infront of bus stop and the bus.

To ensure that buses stop closely to the bus-stops, cones can be placed on the lane marker closest to the bus stop so that bus stops closer.  This also ensures lane discipline near bus stops ! One problem I foresee is the second bus behind the first bus cannot pass the first bus if the first bus is taking more time for the allowing passengers to get into bus.

rackstar's picture

cleanliness and footpath

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I have suggested 100m footpath on both side of a bus stop as pedestrian traffic is high around a bus stop. But having such footpath on both side of busstop and behind the bus stop too would make it easy to maintain cleanliness apart from helping good pedestrian movement. You cant say footpath is a different issue, i will make world class bus shelter with broken footpaths around it.

pathykv's picture

Roads and Footpaths

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Road Maintenance.-13th Main, HAL II Stage.

The authorities have been kind enough to give a face-lift to the 13th Main Road (bet. 100 ft. Rd. & 80ft. Rd) in HAL II Stage, thus making it smoother and wider for vehicle users. Also white lines have been marked from edge to edge (covering the entire width of the road).

This road is a narrow one through residential area where schools, Kalyana Mandir, Post office, Religious halls , church, BSNL office and temples etc. are located and has very intensive pedestrian traffic.This is not suitable for use as an arterial road.


. The Residents Associations have been representing for decades to provide walkable Foot paths along this road and a project was got approved last year by BBMP.
However, ignoring this priority need, only the re-asphalting is being carried out repeatedly (and needlessly). This has resulted in encouraging the vehicle users, esp. the two-wheeler riding youngsters to over speed rashly and recklessly endangering the life and limbs of pedestrians who have been squeezed out of even the edges of the road.

To avoid the serious accidents waiting to happen due to this lapse (of eliminating the walking space for pedestrians) the following steps should be taken immediately.-
1. The foot path project should be implemented urgently.
2. In the meanwhile yellow lines providing minimum  3 ft. width for safe walking should be marked on at least one side of the road.
3. Speed limit boards should be displayed by B-Trac and enforced strictly.
4. Heavy vehicles including water tankers, school buses etc should be banned on this stretch,
5. Only single lane traffic should be permitted (without overtaking) on this one-way road.
6. The heights of the road humps which have come down due to repeated asphalting should be re-built with raised crossings as per norms.

It is hoped the authorities concerned, BBMP, BTP and elected representatives will attend to this issue urgently.,

K.V.Pathy

blrpraj's picture

last mile connectivity

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Bus stop design must include last mile connectivity component. A bicycle stand has been depicted as a possible feature in the illustration by IDS, which is a good idea. But, also please keep in mind that a person getting onto a bus or alighting at a bus stop also makes his journey by auto/walk and if it is a round trip by bus 90% of the time has to cross a road risking life and limb. So -

- why not have a skywalk in the vicinity of the bus stop linking the opposite side of the road?

- And in case the bus stop is situated accross from buildings like shopping malls, clusters of office buildings etc. how about the skywalk linking them directly if possible? I really liked the idea of the MG road metro station that had a skywalk directly linking the building in front of it. (this is the urban planning component of the design...rewarding public transport users with good infrastructure).

- perhaps an auto stand in the vicinity if space permits? Designed in such a way that it does not interfere with bus operations.

-someone needs to analyze the age old problem of people spilling onto the roaway and design an innovative solution (the bus stop should dole out gold coins to people who stay on the footpath for the duration of their wait in the bus stop:-) ?? That may be the only solution since i have racked my brains on this problem and have accepted defeat)

-another must have feature, enough space to get the bus parked without affecting other traffic, if you look closely at "standard design" in IDS's earlier photos it becomes clearer what i am referring to; this will not be possible in all roads, but roads with enough space can accomodate this kind of design.

In my opinion bus stop design must expand beyond the structure itself and we have to think outside the box to to handle the volume of people and get them to the structure and off the structure safely.

idontspam's picture

Ok, so the consensus is we

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Ok, so the consensus is we really dont care for any frills in the shelter, just build a more accessible & user friendly stop.

rackstar's picture

Extended roof

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If there is bus bay, then roof of bus stop can be extended outside so that bus would come under that roof. This will be helpful you get complete shade when you get into bus. In case of rain you can get into bus without any problem as bus will come under the roof. But this can not be done where bus bays are not there because it would hinder tall vehicles on the main road.

murali772's picture

missing seats

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This is the Egipura bus shelter on the Intermediate Ring Road. The stainless steel seats have been stolen, apparently using flame cutters. So, now the designs need to make the shelters pilfer-proof.

Muralidhar Rao
MaheshK's picture

Missing Bus Stop

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They took away the bus stop as it happened in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. It was there at night, gone in morning. They sold the things to a scrap dealer. Wow!  

 

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