We received lots of comments about our “wrong way around” bus shelter. We tell you why this stop is actually positioned in the right direction, and why it’s better this way, for everybody!
From time to time, a photo of one of our bus shelters is published on social media or in the media with the comment “Who did this?!” or “This stop is the wrong way around!” These comments are about a photo on which a bus shelter seems to be positioned the “wrong” way.
Even though the photo can make people believe that a distracted colleague installed the shelter the wrong way around, it’s not the case.
A clever bus shelter
We are used to open bus shelters facing the road. Seeing one installed in the other direction could make you think we’ve made a mistake. But when you think about it, installing them the other way around is much more practical.
Unlike the façades of a building that must remain accessible, our bus shelters can be placed next to the road, making room for pedestrians. The access for people with reduced mobility and for push chairs requires at least a 1.5m wide pavement.
Moreover, if it rains, travellers are protected from the splashes of vehicles behind the glass.
Concrete example: Chaussée d’Ixelles/Elsense Steenweg
During the renovation of place Saint-Boniface/Sint-Bonifatiusplein, if we had placed the new shelter facing the road, it would have only left a walkway of 150-180cm. On this commercial road with high foot traffic, it complied with the regulations, but it was not enough to accommodate the number of pedestrians.
So, the bus shelter was placed facing away from the road. It leaves a passage space of more than 3 m.
Atypical in Brussels, trendy in London
In London, most bus shelters are facing away from the road.
The stop on chaussée de Ninove/Ninoofsesteenweg (which has been subject to much discussion) was temporary and has been removed since, but from now on we plan to always use this type of installation so it can benefit pedestrians. For example, today in Jette, we also have a bus shelter facing the buildings at the tram stop Place Reine Astrid/Koningin Astridplein.
Now you can rest assured. We did not simply install a bus shelter the wrong way. It is the result of lengthy reflexion, which has already proven itself elsewhere and should delight pedestrians.