The first phase of Stroud Town Council’s Better Bus Stops Stroud project is complete, with new panels and accessible seating now installed at several bus shelters across town.
The improvements were chosen with inclusivity in mind, featuring seats with handles for extra support.
The Better Bus Stops Stroud initiative aims to improve comfort, accessibility, and community pride at nine bus shelters, which have been recently adopted by the town council. Five shelters have received new seating, with others benefitting from panel replacements due to wear and vandalism. In some areas, space limitations meant that adding seating would reduce the pathway for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. Upgraded seating has been prioritised at high-traffic stops such as Tesco and Beeches Green Surgery.
In next stage of the project, local artists are teaming up with Stroud schools to create unique artwork for eight of the shelters.
Cllr Adrian Oldman said “The first stage of the project has been a success, with our shelters looking smarter and offering more comfort for users. We had a fantastic response to our call-out for artists, and we’re really looking forward to their collaboration with local schools. The next phase will bring creativity and a sense of place to our bus shelters.”
Residents are invited to share their views on bus shelters at the upcoming Bus User Forum, an in-person workshop where participants will help shape future improvements. Attendees will receive a £25 voucher for their time. Register to take part here: www.stroudtown.gov.uk/bus-shelter-user-forum