Free to Roam:
Planning for an Active Buffalo
Bus Shelter Redesign Public Transit’s Role in Active Living
Studies have proven, walking to and from public transit directly increases levels of physical activity and reduces levels of obesity. The purpose of this study is to suggest design recommendations to improve NFTA bus shelters and promote public transit as a healthy, alternative mode of transportation. Increased Physical Activity & Lower Obesity
Taking Public Transportation
Less Money Spent on Obesity Related Costs
$ $ $ Existing Conditions & Issues NFTA Metro Bus Shelter at Main & Division Streets
The existing NFTA bus shelter lacks essential necessities that might discouage bus ridership.
Blank advertisement portrays the image of neglect.
The only bus information that users are provided.
MEASUREMENTS Front View
Side View
44½” 5¾” 17½” 79”
19½”
11¼”
19½” 49”
The measurements of the bus shelter. One seat occupies an approximate 20”. Since there is about 80” of space between the advertisement panel and the closest seat, an additional one or two seats can be added provided that 40” be reserved for wheelchair like vehicles (minimum 36”)3. The shelter width does not conform with Universal Design standards of 5’ (60”)3.
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.
$48,000
Obesity costs an extra in health care costs per person where $35,200 is paid for by Medicare and other public sources2.
$10,000 in
Walking to and from public transit can save obesity related helth care costs in a person’s lifetime2.
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
Issue 3: Lack of Seating
Issue 4: Lack of Universal Bus Sign
Issue 5: Awkward Advertising
Issue 6: Small Shelter Width
• No schedule information. • No individual or regional bus route map(s). • No “station name” sign. • Customer service number confusing for first time passengers
• Not enough seating to meet demand of transit passengers at certain stops.
• Advertising NFTA info (website/phone number) 3 times at the same shelter.
• No direct bus shelter lighting to provide a greater perception of safety.
• In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a shelter should include a pictogram indicating that the shelter is a bus stop3.
• In accordance with the design principles of Universal Design, a shelter should be 9’ long and 5’ wide3. The existing shelter is only a little larger than 4’ wide (49”).
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.
While the installation and maintenance of modernized shelters might require a upfront capital investments, cities are looking to private, outdoor advertising companies to help alleviate the cost of the project and are getting them installed free of charge.
Fall 2009
Surgeon General’s recommended ≥30 minutes of physical activity just by walking to and from public transit1.
Best Practices
Cost Implications
PD450 SUNY at Buffalo
29% of Americans who walk to public transit achieve the
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.
Cities like New York10 and San Francisco7 have signed advertising contracts with businesses like Cemusa and Clear Channel. In return for control of the advertising or a portion of ad revenue, these companies agree to install and maintan the shelters free of charge.
R. Chetti