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Pace Development Guidelines |
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Pace Development Guidelines |
C. PASSENGER WAITING AREA
A variety of amenities can be provided at bus stop locations to enhance the attractiveness of public transportation. Designing waiting facilities with amenities that increase passenger's comfort levels and feelings of security can encourage suburban travelers to use public transit. Bus stop locations that are designed with paved waiting pads, shelters, benches, windbreaks and lighting can furnish comfortable, safe waiting areas for transit users.
Bus stops also can be designed to make transit more convenient, accessible and aesthetically appealing to transit users. These measures are necessary if public transportation is to compete effectively with other transportation modes. The proper design of bus stop zones and adjacent curbs can increase transit access and convenience by eliminating barriers, especially for those individuals with mobility limitations. The appeal of public transportation can be increased further by providing convenience items such as public telephones and transit information kiosks. Further discussion of these features can be found in the following narrative.
*The incorporation of a paved passenger waiting area into the sidewalk design of appropriate near-side corners of both collector and arterial street intersections is recommended to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient waiting area for all transit users and to promote access for the mobility limited. Pace anticipates more extensive use of fixed route service by mobility limited individuals as wheelchair accessible equipment is integrated into the fleet. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates equal access to mass transit for every U.S. citizen, thereby requiring every new bus to be wheelchair accessible. By 1997, the fleet must be in compliance with the mandate.
Pace particularly recommends the construction of paved waiting areas at high-volume transit stops and in new developments that potentially will generate a high volume of transit use. Paved waiting areas should have a minimum 4-inch thick concrete pad ideally extending 25 feet back from the corner tangent point, being complete between the curb and sidewalk. Paving of the area between the corner tangent point and the intersection of the sidewalk and corner curb is optional. Figure V-3 illustrates the location and dimension of a paved waiting area.
*Access ramps for individuals with mobility limitations should be provided at all corner curbs to increase accessibility to transit service. These ramps should be designed with special pavement textures that contrast with surrounding surfaces. Contrasting surfaces help the visually impaired identify the location of access ramps and warn individuals of grade changes. These surfaces should comply with the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) Section 4.7.(1)
*Passenger shelters are recommended for bus stop areas that are high volume boarding sites. The size and design of passenger shelters will vary depending on space availability and the number of passenger boardings. However, the standard shelter that is accessible to individuals with mobility limitations is 13.5 feet by 6.5 feet. The location of the shelter will vary depending on space availability, utility placement, passenger counts and driver visibility needs. Shelters should have a minimum 5-foot setback from the street. When possible, bus stop information is provided on the shelter rather than on a freestanding sign. Currently, Pace identifies the route number on many of its shelters.
Pace shelters are available to communities at no cost. They are comprised of anodized aluminum frames and either safety glass or polycarbonate glazing. These structures are designed to be constructed on concrete pads that have a minimum 4 inch thickness (see Paved Passenger Waiting Area summary). If requested, Pace will install the shelters. However, Pace encourages municipalities to maintain these enclosures.
If desirable, developers and municipalities can provide shelters that are architecturally consistent with particular development designs. Shelter placement should be reviewed by Pace and the local jurisdiction (i.e. IDOT, county or municipality) to avoid visual obstructions to vehicle drivers as well as interference with utilities. The maintenance of these shelters is usually the responsibility of the developer, municipality or other appropriate party. To increase passenger comfort and convenience, shelters should be designed with the following considerations:
For additional information regarding Pace's shelter program, please contact the Operating Services Section Manager at (847)228-2488.
*Building lobbies can be designed as interior waiting areas for transit users. To allow adequate time for passengers to gain access to the bus stop, these lobbies should be located within 150 feet of a Pace bus stop and face the service area. Transit users should be able to view approaching buses for a 1000-foot distance. For passenger comfort, seating should be provided in the lobby.
*Transit route information can be displayed on shelters, in business lobbies, along development walkways and in other appropriate areas to provide accurate route and schedule information to the public. Figure V-4 provides examples of free-standing and mountable bus information signs. Depending on sign location and type, approval from local municipalities, IDOT or Pace may be required for sign display.
*Benches can be located in transit areas having moderate use and where shelters are not feasible. They should be placed within the confines of the bus shelter dimensions as shown in Figure V-3. The bench design should be compatible with the surrounding environment and constructed with vandal-resistant materials. The design should not create a hazard nor contain advertising that is distracting to motorists.
*Adequate lighting should be provided at bus stops and waiting areas for passengers. A well lit waiting area will not only increase a pedestrian's feelings of security but also will allow a transit vehicle driver to clearly see the bus stop area. The driver then is able to identify waiting passengers and possible obstructions in the bus stop zone.
Pace generally does not encourage electric service inside passenger shelters. However, the placement of freestanding municipal lighting fixtures is recommended by Pace. Local municipalities establish lighting standards for their jurisdictions. Lighting plans for bus stop areas as well as those for the entire development must be coordinated with appropriate municipalities.
*Landscape features can be used at transit waiting areas to increase passenger comfort and to develop an attractive transit waiting area. Earth berming, trees and other plantings can be used to provide shade, act as windbreaks and offer an aesthetically appealing environment to transit users. However, passenger security as well as the corner sight-distance triangle must be considered when designing these features.
*Convenience amenities can be provided at transit stops to reduce the number of trips a pedestrian must make to obtain convenience items and increase the appeal of the transit stop location. Public phones, automatic teller machines (ATMs), transit information kiosks, trash receptacles and newspaper vending boxes are a few of the items that will enhance passenger waiting areas. Care should be taken to integrate these amenities to minimize visual and physical clutter at the stop and to avoid obstructions to the corner sight-line.
On a larger scale, convenience services can be coordinated with transportation facilities. Dry cleaning, photo processing, deli or other food service and child care centers are a few of the businesses that can be located at or nearby transportation centers, transfer facilities or park-n-ride lots to provide the transit user with convenient and accessible services that do not require an automobile trip.
*Bicycle storage facilities can be provided near bus stop locations to encourage bicycle use to and from transit and provide convenient and safe storage. These facilities are especially useful at park-n-ride lots where various transit services or routes are available. Stationary racks that provide stable support for bicycles or enclosed bicycle lockers with locking doors can be installed for storage purposes.
Weather protection and security from theft and vandalism should be considered when selecting the bicycle storage device and to determine its location.(2) The facility should be located in a well-lit area that has a high degree of visibility. If possible, a monitored location should be used.
1. American National Standards Institute, Inc., American National Standard for Buildings and Facilities
2. Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, Development Guidelines That Promote Bicycle Use (Chicago: August 1990), pp. 17-18.
Revised: November, 1999.