Bus stop

Bus stop is a designated place where buses stop for passengers to board or alight from the bus. These are usually positioned on the highway and are distinct from off-highway facilities such as bus stations. The construction of bus stops tends to reflect the level of usage, with busy stops having shelters, seating, and possibly electronic passenger information systems; less busy stops may use a simple pole and flag to mark the location. Bus stops may be clustered together into transport hubs allowing interchange between routes from nearby stops and with other public transport modes.

History

The first recorded bus service was in Paris in 1662, and the earliest buses were horse drawn with the horses housed in the rear of the bus. The first bus stop in the history of public transport was in Bishops Stortford and was believed to be constructed in 1890, sheltering passengers from the elements.

Design

Bus stops can range from a simple pole and sign, to a rudimentary shelter, to a more complex structure. The usual minimum is a pole mounted flag with suitable direction markings. The design and construction of bus stops depend on the amount of passengers expected, duration of stay, and the amount of services available.

Types of Bus Stops

There are several types of bus stops, including:

• On-street bus stop: A bus stop sign is typically installed on a street where the bus driver can see it while driving.
• Off-street bus stop: These are usually found in bus stations, bus garages, and bus hubs. They may be marked by a shelter, a bus guide, or by any other means.
• Bus bay: A bus bay allows buses to pull off to the side of the road to let passengers board or get off without obstructing traffic.
• Bus bulb: Also known as a bus boarder or bus border, this type of bus stop allows buses to stay in their traffic lane while picking up and dropping off passengers.

Accessibility

In many jurisdictions, bus stops are legally required to be accessible to people with disabilities. Examples of features which may be required under such legislation include ramps or "kneeling buses", tactile paving, and audible signals.

See also

• Public transport
• Bus station
• Bus terminus
• List of bus stations