Derby’s bus stops get a makeover

Published: 16 March 2023

As part of Derby City Council’s ongoing project to increase public transport options available to residents, 400 of Derby’s bus stops are getting a makeover, with works already completed at many locations.

Once the refurbishments are complete, all bus shelters on main routes into the city will have accessible seating and space for wheelchairs, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act. Most bus shelters will also be fitted with mesh panels which not only provide a better appearance but also protect the shelters from damage and vandalism.

A key upgrade will be the installation of Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) screens, which allow a greater range of information to be displayed. As well as providing real-time passenger information, these new displays will be used to advertise ticketing offers and keep passengers up to date with other important travel updates.

The work is funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to improve sustainable means of transport and provide residents with greater transport choices by reducing dependency on private cars and improving the associated infrastructure. The refurbishment of many bus stops across the city marks further progress in achieving this goal.

This ambitious programme, which commenced in April 2022, includes:

• The removal and disposal of 125 existing bus shelters
• Supply and installation of 155 new shelters
• Installation of an additional 62 real-time information units with TFT screens
• Upgrading 38 real-time information LED units to TFT units
• Reconditioning 33 existing real-time information units
• Removal of all existing special types of bus border kerbing
• Establishing a kerb height of 140mm at the boarding area with conventional kerbs to meet current guidance
• Increasing or providing new standing areas wherever possible

Kerbing and footway works have already been carried out at over 180 sites as part of the first phase of the project, with the remaining renovation works due to be completed by late 2023.

Contracts to install the new bus shelters and real-time information screens have been awarded to Bus Shelters Limited and Journeo.

Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport said:

This project is another exciting step on our journey to enhance public transport options for residents across the city. By providing passengers with access to real-time service information, installing modern new shelters and ensuring that every bus stop is accessible to all, we hope that these newly refurbished bus stops will encourage more people to consider travelling by bus.

Derby’s public transport facilities are undergoing huge improvements and this project is an important part of our commitment to improving the travel experience in Derby for everyone.

Stuart Preston, General Manager, Bus Shelters Limited said:

Having supplied products into the wider Derbyshire area for a number of years, Bus Shelters Ltd were thrilled to be selected as the supplier for the city wide Bus Services Improvement Plan.

This month sees the start of a rollout to include over 150 principal shelters in a design with a proven track record across the UK. The shelters will provide a safe and secure space with seating and a wheelchair space for passengers across the city.

Shazad Riaz, National Key Account Manager, Journeo said:

Derby City Council’s decision to use the latest passenger information screens keeps Derby and the wider East Midlands at the forefront of passenger information provision in England. It’s been fantastic to see the displays in use across the city, highlighting initiatives such as £2 bus fare cap and encouraging people to use public transport.

Transport