Competition to find designs for bus shelters

Concepts for a new generation of passenger shelters for London’s bus network are being sought by Transport for London, with the support of Design for London, with the launch of a design competition.

Product designers and architects are invited to submit designs for technology driven bus shelters, providing improved lighting and display spaces. The shelters will also support CCTV and Public Address systems, with the option to fit further electronic media devices.

The current design of the bus shelter is almost 20 years old, and, according to TfL, passenger expectations are increasing. The new shelters aim to include better lighting, seating and up-to-date information.

This competition will be judged by a panel, including representatives from TfL, Design for London and Clear Channel. The winning design will be unveiled in March 2008, with the first of the shelters expected to reach the streets in 2009.

For more information on the competition see the OJEU notice at www.tfl.bravosolution.com. A questionnaire must be returned to London Buses by 22 October.

There are around 12 000 bus shelters in London, the first was erected in 1934. As a structure the design has not changed significantly in more than 70 years.