London is making bus travel more comfortable by adding new shelters at key transit stops. Construction started on Monday, January 20, to help keep passengers dry and protected from the weather while they wait for their buses.
In the first step, the city will set up the basic frames for the shelters. Over the next few weeks, they’ll enhance these structures with features like lighting, electrical wiring, and seating to create a more welcoming experience for commuters.
Where to Expect New Shelters:
- Ontario Street at King Street (southbound)
- King Street at Wellington Street
- Wellington Street at King Street
- Queens Avenue at Clarence Street
- Queens Avenue at Ridout Street North
- King Street at Burwell Street (eastbound and westbound)
- King Street at Adelaide Street (eastbound and westbound)
- Wellington Street at Horton Street (northbound and southbound)
Work schedules and locations may change due to weather. Some bus stops will be closed during construction, so riders should check the London Transit website for updates.
1st transit shelter (credit: City of London)
What’s Special About These Shelters?
These shelters are designed to keep passengers comfortable and safe. They’ll include:
- Benches and seating
- Better lighting
- Security cameras
- Clear route information
- Glass walls to block wind and rain
Each shelter will also feature a tall marker to help people locate the stops easily.
What People Are Saying
Commuters shared their thoughts on the new shelters,
“I think with the new shelters coming in, I can imagine having a positive impact on public transit. I know in the past, I would avoid going out in bad weather. These shelters will encourage people to want to go out and will help downtown thrive a bit more,” said one resident.
Another transit user added, “It’s a very crucial step for the development of the city. The bus stops are really necessary in this kind of weather. I usually travel by bus, and standing in the freezing cold is hard. These shelters are a great idea.”
A person highlighted the significant impact on newcomers, “It’s going to help a lot of people from other countries, like India, Pakistan, and Nepal. They’ve never experienced this kind of cold or snow, so having more protected bus stops will really help them.”
Another resident felt hopeful but cautious, “In terms of protection from the elements, this is good. But the city needs to handle maintenance properly. A lot of bus stops are damaged or destroyed, so it’s important that these new shelters are well-managed.”
The new shelters will make transit more accessible and reliable for Londoners, especially in bad weather.
