Ode to the Bus Bench: A Celebration of Seats and Sanity

Ah, the bus stop. A microcosm of humanity, where patience (or lack thereof) is tested, schedules scrutinized, and the existential dread of "did I miss the bus?" looms large. But amidst the shuffle of feet and the symphony of honking horns, there exists a beacon of hope, a haven for weary legs – the bus bench.

Sure, some might scoff. "Benches? What a frivolous extravagance!" But to these naysayers, I say: hogwash! Let's delve into the undeniable truth – bus benches are essential, not optional, like the oxygen that fuels our weary commutes.

First, think about inclusivity. Not everyone is a sprightly young thing who can tap their foot impatiently for an hour. The elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities – all deserve a place to sit and wait with dignity. A 2019 report by the National Center on Disability and Journalism (Google it), ?found that a lack of accessible seating at bus stops is a major barrier to public transit use for people with disabilities. Benches, my friends, are not just a convenience; they're a bridge to a more equitable transportation system.

Second, community cohesion. By providing comfortable seating options, we encourage individuals to spend more time in public spaces, leading to more frequent interactions. This strengthens social bonds within the community, enabling neighbors to connect, share experiences, and offer support to one another.

And lastly, let's not forget mental well-being. Picture this: you've trudged a half mile valiantly fighting a losing battle against the wind. You arrive at the bus stop, shivering like a chihuahua in a blizzard, bags and briefcase in tow. And there, nestled amidst the puddles, is a glorious bench. Ah, the sweet relief! Suddenly, the world seems a little less hostile, a little more manageable. Benches, in their own quiet way, offer a sense of comfort and security that can make all the difference. So, the next time you see a bus stop devoid of this humble hero, raise your voice (or, at least, your eyebrows). Demand benches! Fight for the right to rest your weary bones and contemplate the existential absurdity of waiting for a bus that might be running late. Remember, a bench is not just a seat; it's a symbol of our shared humanity, a testament to the fact that even in the concrete jungle, there's still room for a little kindness, a little comfort, a little respite from the chaos. in a long, frustrating commute.

And on that note, I leave you with this wise proverb:"A bus stop without a bench is like a cup of tea without a biscuit – incomplete, unsatisfying, and frankly, a bit of a downer."

P.S. Let's make our bus stops places of peace, not just places to pace.

If you are a municipality interested in providing cost-free and maintenance-free benches for your transit riders, reach out.

Bonus fun fact: Did you know that the world's longest bus bench is in Norway? It stretches a whopping 184 meters (603 feet) and can seat over 100 people! Talk about a party on the pavement!

Let's keep the bench love alive!

#MetropolitanMayorsCaucus ?#AQOLFA?#funding?#usmayors??#citymanager?#cityplanning?#municipal?#municipalities?#publicspaces?#publicspace?#transitadvertising #busriders #publictransportation #publictransit #transitauthority

?#transit?#bus?#commuting?#transit?#cityscapes?#cityliving?#townplanning?#townplanner?#transportationsolutions?#city #townhall #towns #citycouncil #transportation ?#transportationplanning #transportationindustry?#towncouncil #transportationsystem?#benches?#bench?#busshelter?

#publicprivatepartnerships?#publicprivatepartnership?#publicworks #publictransportation #mayor #mayors #publicworks #bus #citymanagement