Metro Transit — Better Bus Stops

metro-transit

Metro Transit, the primary transit agency in Minneapolis, is working to improve customer experience through the Better Bus Stops Program. From 2014-2018, this effort involved adding transit shelters at up to 150 bus stops, improving up to 75 existing shelters, and improving pedestrian access.

The Federal Transit Administration awarded a $3.26 million Ladders of Opportunity Grant in 2014 to help Metro Transit invest in bus stop improvements that enhance employment and education access. State and local funds also supported the Better Bus Stops Program. Metro Transit has continued improving bus stops by providing transit information at stops, adding concrete boarding pads, adding lighting or radiant heat, and replacing and installing new shelters as needed. Metro Transit is also working with local partners to improve the pedestrian experience near stops. Cleaning, making repairs, and responding to community concerns are also part of the effort to improve the customer experience at bus stops.

Metro Transit’s Shelter Placement Guidelines were updated in 2017 as part of the agency’s commitment to equity. The guidelines help Metro Transit prioritize improvements: bus stops located in priority areas with at least 100 daily boardings are considered the highest priority. Priority areas are defined as areas where people may benefit most from shelters, including near housing for people with disabilities, health and social service providers, housing for older adults, and areas with lower car ownership rates.

The Better Bus Stops project involved an extensive community engagement process from March 2016 to March 2017. Metro Transit asked community members about priority shelter locations, priority features of bus stops, and issues that affect equity in the region. Metro Transit engaged with traditionally underrepresented communities by bringing local leaders on as subcontractors; partnered with CBOs; distributed a survey via their website, subcontractors and community events; and visited transit centers and bus stops to speak directly with travelers.

Additionally, Metro Transit operates an Adopt-A-Stop program. Local organizations, schools, and individuals are eligible to adopt bus stops. Metro Transit supports the program by performing regular cleaning and maintenance on bus stops; adopters assist by alerting the agency of any vandalism or suspicious activity. In exchange, adopters receive 10 free rides per month. Metro Transit’s website has an interactive map with planned shelters, boarding pads, and other bus stop changes.

View Program

This tool is best used on desktops and laptops.

Step 2: Add your amenities to your bus stop

  • Click the “Amenity Library” button to open the Library:
    • Scroll through the Amenity Library on the right to drag and drop your chosen amenities or use the “Add” button.
    • You can add, move, rotate, scale, and delete any amenity. You can also add as many as you like.
    • NOTE: All amenities may not be appropriate for all sidewalk widths. Consider amenities like the Lean Bar for narrower sidewalks, whereas amenities such as Shelters are more appropriate for wider sidewalks.


Step 3: Save your design

  • Choose the “Finalize & Save” button, then fill out the brief Contact Form.
    • You’ll then be taken to a unique link to your design; keep it on file for viewing later at any time.

Using the Builder to design your bus stop

This tool is best used on desktops and laptops, and when the background image you choose below is viewed straight on

Step 1: Find your background image

  • via the map below on the left, you can go to the bus stop you wish to design, then drag the gold Google “Pegman” (in the map below, lower right corner) to where your bus stop is on the map, or
  • via the “Upload Background” button, you can upload an image of the bus stop from your local device (it works best if your image is square), then you’ll be taken to Step 2 right away, or
  • you can type in an address or street corner and city via the search field, then click the “Search” button and then drag the gold Google “Pegman” (in the map below, lower right corner) to the red location Pin.


NOTES: It’s possible Google hasn’t created a Street View for some bus stops. If this is the case for the bus stop you want to add amenities to, you may want to consider taking a smartphone photo of that bus stop and uploading it here via the “Upload Background” button (crop your image square). Per Google Street Map View compliance rules, it is not possible to edit the lighting or shading of a Google Street View background, so choose thoughtfully or upload your own image.

Once you have your chosen bus stop background on the right, select the “Design Bus Stop” button to go to the next screen to then add amenities.