8/8/2019 Buffalo's Bus Shelter Renaissance [POSTER]

1/1R. ChetNY at Bualo Fall 2009

Bus Shelter Redesign

Public Transits Role in Active LivingStudies 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.

Taking Public

Transportation

Increased

Physical Activity

&

Lower Obesity

Less Money Spent

on

Obesity Related

Costs

$ $ $

29%of Americans who walk to public transit achieve theSurgeon Generals recommended 30 minutes of physical

activity just by walking to and from public transit1.

Obesity costs an extra $48,000 in health care costs perperson where $35,200 is paid for by Medicare and other public

sources2.

Walking to and from public transit can save $10,000 inobesity related helth care costs in a persons lifetime2.

Existing Conditions & IssuesThe 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 condition

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 No schedule information. No individual or regional bus route map(s). No station name sign. Customer service number confusingfor first time passengers

44

1979

17

5

19

49

11

Front View Side View

MEASUREMENTS

Issue 2: Lack of Direct Lighting No direct bus shelter lighting to provida greater perception of safety.

Direct bus shelter lighting decreasesaccidental drive-bys.

Issue 3: Lack of Seating Not enough seating to meet demandof transit passengers at certain stops.

Issue 4: Lack of Universal Bus Sign In accordance with Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA), a shelter

should include a pictogram indicatin

that the shelter is a bus stop3.

Issue 5: Awkward Advertising

Advertising NFTA info(website/phone number) 3 times atthe same shelter.

NFTA ad panel could be used for adifferent ad to generate revenue.

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 i nformation

that users are provided.

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 con-

form with Universal Design

standards of 5 (60)3.

Best Practices

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 patrons faces 3. 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 Study1) 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 Buffalos 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 migh

make transit passengers feel more comfortable in their commute.

4) Futuristic bus stops such as the Eyestop by MITs Sensible Lab are an innovativ

way to look at bus shelter redesigns9. The shelter includes a touch screen for

interactive trip planning, community notice board, tourist information, & grafitti.

Issue 6: Small Shelter Width

In accordance with the design principleof Universal Design, a shelter should b9 long and 5 wide3. The existing shelteis only a little larger than 4 wide (49).

Cost ImplicationsWhile the installation and maintenance of modernized shelters might require a upfrontcapital 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.

Cities like New York10 and San Francisco7 have signed advertising contracts with businesse

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.

Toronto

Solar Power, LED Lighting & Weather-Proof Design

Solar power does not add extra expenses to the cityselectrical 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 100,000hours, and can withstand temperatures -22F - 122F6.

The enclosed shelter on all four sides protect passengers from inclimentweather. 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 willarrive along with a push-to-talk system for visually impaired7.

Passengers are able to make informed decisions byknowing exactly how much longer they have to wait.

WiFi enables passengers to view real time next bus information online fromfrom 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 problems

7

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