Climate Resilience Strategies for Bus Stops (Emerging Leaders Program)

Transit agencies have the responsibility to ensure that public transportation continues to be a practical option for commuters, especially as the impact of climate change leads to more frequent extreme weather events. These events, including heat, cold, flooding, severe storms, and high winds, present a significant challenge to the millions of North Americans who depend on public transit to access various services. Public transit services play a crucial role in the lives of many marginalized groups and communities. These groups often cannot afford personal vehicles and live farther away from their workplaces, making them reliant on public transit services like buses.

Buses play a crucial role in America’s public transit system as they account for half of all transit rides. They cater to more diverse populations in terms of race and economic background compared to any other transit mode. However, most bus stops suffer from underfunding and do not have proper bus shelters to protect riders. During extreme weather conditions, disruptions in bus services worsen the inequalities already experienced by marginalized groups and communities. This has led to discussions among transit agencies about investing in climate adaptation measures to improve the functionality and quality of new and existing bus shelters to protect riders from extreme weather events. This study aims to identify strategies that transit agencies can implement to protect bus riders from extreme weather conditions at bus stops.

Presenters:

• Frank Adarkwa, Greater Richmond Transit Company
• Caitlin Delaney, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
• Kessia Harris, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
• Peter Kersten, Regional Transportation Authority
• Samantha Taylor, Pittsburgh Regional Transit