To look for a specific item then please use the search facility by clicking here

External environments

5.23 Bus stop indicators

Signed bus stops should be provided so that few, if any, passengers have to walk more than 400m from their homes, or less than 200m in areas with high numbers of elderly residents. Bus stops are located close to points of particular need, such as road junctions, local shops, libraries, old peoples' homes, clubs etc. Request stops avoid the necessity for buses to pull up at every stop, and are favoured by operators. However, they can be disadvantageous to blind travellers if bus drivers are not alert to their needs.

The area of pavement adjacent to bus stops should be kept clear of street furniture and other obstructions, apart from passenger shelters. The stop itself should be positioned so that the post does not obstruct boarding and alighting passengers, or passing pedestrians.

The maximum walking distances set out in 4.1 Dimensions of People and Equipment indicate that many elderly and disabled people are not able to reach their nearest existing bus stop. Fixed bus stops may not be necessary in rural areas and some housing estates, but in these cases it is essential that potential passengers know the exact route of each bus journey and can be confident that the bus they want will stop when hailed. These "hail and ride" sections should be clearly defined in timetables, on route maps, and also by some indication on the streets concerned such as markings at eye level on street furniture (see 5.2 Street Furniture).

Bus stop flags, cantilevered from single poles or lamp posts, should be fixed as low as possible while remaining visible above road traffic, pedestrians and pavement furniture. The bottom of the flag should not be less than 2500mm above ground and the flag should be at least 450mm wide and 400mm high.

When stop flags are fitted to lamp posts or similar structures, a contrasting coloured band 1400mm high will help to identify them, and prevent visually impaired people walking into them. A 20mm high raised capital letter B at a height between 1000mm and 1200mm from the ground will be an invaluable tactile aid to blind people. Where pavements incorporate tactile routes, the bus stop locations should be indicated.

Increasing use is being made of Conventional Display Units (CDUs) to fulfil the role of bus stops. CDUs incorporate an illuminated bus stop plate, timetable case and a name plate between two uprights. The CDUs are arranged parallel to the kerb, with a small flag plate at right angles to assist bus drivers to see them. CDUs are usually coloured yellow, in contrast to the environment, so they can be more easilyidentified by partially sighted people.

Many passengers with disabilities such as arthritis may be able to walk to or from their nearest bus stop but arrive there exhausted and find it impossible or very painful to stand for more than 5 to 10 minutes. Elderly passengers may also need to have some protection from rain or cold winds while waiting at their stop. Whenever possible, therefore, except where services are very frequent and regular, shelters with seats should be provided at all stops.

Taxi ranks, Bus stops, Bus shelters, Bus pull-in provision, Kerbside bus stops, Bus bays, Shallow echelon lay-bys, Bus Boarders or Capes, Seating Provision, Interchanges, Service information at bus stops

next part of fact sheet 5.23