AECOM, Arup and Campaign for Better Transport to Develop National Bus Stop Guidance
AECOM, Arup and Campaign for Better Transport have formed a consortium to develop new national bus stop guidance for England.
The Department for Transport has appointed the three organisations to create a single guidance document covering the safety and accessibility of bus stopping places.
The project aims to improve bus stop design, remove barriers to travel and support a more consistent approach across the country.
New Guidance to Improve Bus Stop Safety and Accessibility
Currently, information about safe and accessible bus stops appears across several documents. However, these resources differ in their detail, coverage and status.
As a result, local authorities and transport operators may face challenges when planning and managing bus stops.
The new guidance will bring together existing good practice and establish clearer expectations for bus stopping places.
It will also provide practical support for local authorities, combined authorities, bus operators and other organisations involved in transport infrastructure.
Bus Services Act 2025 Supports New Standards
The Bus Services Act 2025 provides for statutory guidance on the safety and accessibility of bus stopping places.
It also requires certain transport authorities to take the guidance into account when carrying out relevant responsibilities.
The consortium will develop a practical framework to help authorities plan, design, deliver and maintain safer bus stops.
In addition, the guidance will consider different local conditions and the needs of passengers across England.
Industry Engagement to Shape Bus Stop Design
AECOM, Arup and Campaign for Better Transport will work with stakeholders across the transport sector.
The consultation process will help identify existing good practice, understand passenger needs and explore opportunities to improve access to bus services.
Christian Bodé, Technical Lead at AECOM, said stakeholder engagement will be a priority throughout the project.
He explained that the consortium aims to understand the needs of passengers, operators, planners and designers while improving safety and the overall travel experience.
Meanwhile, Liani Baglietto, Project Manager at Arup, highlighted the importance of helping everyone access bus services safely and independently.
She said the guidance will support more consistent decisions while allowing authorities to respond to local needs.
Campaign for Better Transport Highlights Passenger Needs
Campaign for Better Transport has already carried out research and industry engagement focused on improving bus stop infrastructure.
Its December 2024 report, Better Bus Stops: Creating a National Bus Stop Standard, called for a consistent national approach to bus stop facilities and passenger information.
The research found that 47% of people would use buses more often if clean and comfortable bus shelters were available.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of reliable passenger information and accessible waiting areas.
Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport, said comfortable and accessible bus stops can help more people travel with confidence.
The organisation first called for a national bus stop standard in 2024. It will now help develop the new guidance alongside AECOM and Arup.
Supporting More Inclusive Public Transport
The new national bus stop guidance aims to help transport authorities create safer and more accessible stopping places.
By bringing existing standards and good practice into one document, the project could make bus stop planning and management more consistent.
Furthermore, improved shelters, clearer information and accessible infrastructure could encourage greater use of public transport.
The consortium will now work with industry stakeholders to develop guidance that supports safer, more inclusive and reliable bus travel across England.
