A report by passenger watchdog Transport Focus and outdoor advertising specialist Clear Channel highlights what work needs doing surrounding bus shelters.

Based on feedback from more than 3,000 bus passengers across Great Britain, the research underscores the need for shelters that prioritise protection, accessibility and comfort, safety and information. Whilst emphasising the importance of involving passengers in the design process for new bus shelters.

Transport Focus and Clear Channel hosted a roundtable with bus operators, transport authorities and accessibility charities to share the findings discuss their implementation. Further discussions between Transport Focus, the Department for Transport and the wider bus industry will be held to explore whether a national standard for bus stops with specific facilities as a minimum could be useful.

Only 15% sat comfortably

When asked what they’d like to see, passengers answering the survey referenced improved seating with only 15% finding seating in its current state comfortable. Providing increased protection from weather and accurate real-time information features were also cited as necessary changes.

Passengers also specified that developments to signage, lighting and digital information displays would support disabled passengers facing significant challenges, with 65% of visually impaired and 61% of mobility-impaired users struggling to use shelters.

Nearly half of passengers reported that dim or broken lighting severely affects their sense of security, particularly at night. Upgrading lighting, installing CCTV and adding help points could greatly enhance safety and peace of mind.

The report calls for the bus industry and local authorities to co-design bus shelters with users, ensuring people with mobility and sensory impairments are included in the process.

The report suggests user feedback should be integrated at every stage of the design and build process, allowing for model testing, option refinement, and meaningful user influence on the final outcome. By incorporating real user feedback, bus shelters can be more inclusive, safer, and environmentally sustainable.

Shelters need to be ‘reimagined’

Louise Collins, director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said:“Bus shelters matter to passengers. A well-designed bus shelter offers more than just a place to wait for a bus – it can turn a journey into a pleasant, safe, and comfortable experience.

“Working with Clear Channel and the wider bus industry we’re making sure passengers are at the heart of bus shelter designs and future standards. Ensuring user views are involved in every stage of the design and build process will help ensure they are more comfortable, provide good quality accurate information and are accessible to all.”

Neil Chapman, Product Design Director, at Clear Channel Europe and UK said: “Legacy design bus shelters continue to be the norm across the UK. This research reinforces what we’ve long believed – that bus shelters need to be reimagined, with the passenger experience as the focal point.

“We have consistently innovated to increase the functionality of bus shelters, to help tackle local and national challenges, however, now is the time to create a national standard for bus shelters to ensure sufficient protection, accessibility, comfort, safety and information for all bus users. We want to work with bus users, local authorities and transport operators to deliver this to help get more people on to buses!”