Bus shelters are a facet of the urban landscape that just don’t have to be half as ugly as the ones we currently suffer in our city. Take a look at how they’ll soon be rolling in Orlando (hat tip: reader M.S.). They might not keep out the rain, but surely we can think of something better? Via:
A series of sculptural bus stops will be installed throughout Orlando as part of an effort to bring art into the community. Entech Creative, a production engineering company, teamed up with Walter Geiger, of Walt Geiger Studios, to design and produce the “Cascade” series of shelter structures. Each bus stop has four to five uniquely shaped panels ranging from 15 to 16 feet high. Their form is suggestive of a waterfall, undulating to provide commuters with shade and shelter.
Cue Translink: “Yeah, but where will we put the ads?” Sigh.
Those are lovely additions to the streetscape, you’re right. You should raise the point about aesthetics with the municipalities, since shelters are actually under their jurisdiction. They contract with CBS/Descaux (in the city of Vancouver) or Pattison Outdoor (in the other municipalities) to set up and advertise in the shelters. The ad revenue, by the way, does not come to TransLink – it goes to the municipalities.
Thanks for the clarification, Drew. Apologies to Translink.
They are rather hostile, unless you have good weather and rapid transit because you cannot sit down.