On this World Car-free day, I’d like to put a spotlight on the topic of infrastructure and amenities that help make the commutes of public transportation users more pleasant.
One could even say that some of these aspects make such commutes possible, helping individuals decide to use these modes (when they have a choice).
In the context of rising urban heat in many cities worldwide, the issue of shade at transit shelters can be critical.
I photographed these two bus stops a couple of years ago. They are within a few minutes’ walk from each other. It is possible that the one without shelter was a temporary station, but as we know, many bus stops around the world look like this- no shade, no shelter, sometimes no bench at all.
The other shelter, while certainly not winning any awards for top creative design or super comfort, is nonetheless functional and, very importantly, well cooled by the surrounding foliage.
At the ‘Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab’ we look forward to a visual study across cities of elements of shade and thermal refuge.