New ‘Super Shelter’ transforms Central Bedfordshire’s busiest bus stop
Monday, 7 October 2024
We're excited to announce the installation of the first in a series of new state-of-the-art bus shelters at our area’s busiest bus stop.
Located outside the Asda supermarket on Court Drive, Dunstable and funded through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, this cutting-edge shelter promises to improve the daily experience for thousands of bus users in the area.
Serving as a vital hub for the community, the stop connects residents to sports venues, leisure centres, schools, and shopping facilities. It is used by 13 bus services and five bus operators, making it the busiest stop in the region.
At nearly 20 metres long and almost three metres wide, the new structure provides over 50 square metres of sheltered space for passengers and cyclists. Designed with comfort, accessibility, and safety in mind, the shelter includes 12 passenger waiting bays, two dedicated cycle storage bays, and wide entrances that accommodate wheelchair users.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
Bus stops have certainly come a long way to becoming a place where passengers can not only wait protected from the elements but also safely store their bikes and charge their phones.
It is another step towards our sustainability goals that the shelter itself takes advantage of energy-saving technology, a living roof and enhanced information access for all, while the shelters being replaced will be refurbished and relocated to upgrade other bus stops across Central Bedfordshire.
With more super shelters planned for Houghton Regis near Morrisons, Dunstable’s Church Street, as well as smaller higher-spec Neighbourhood Shelters at key locations such as Dunstable West Street and High Street, Sandy Market Square, and Cranfield University, we are hoping more people will be encouraged to take the bus now the bus stop is comfortable and convenient, and can also take care of their bicycles.
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:
Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that passengers in Central Bedfordshire will benefit from this new, state-of-the art bus shelter.
Our Buses Bill will help Central Bedfordshire Council give passengers modern, clean and efficient services they can truly rely on.
Passengers will benefit from real-time journey information, displayed on a roof-mounted, double-sided screen visible from all shelter entrances. In addition, an e-ink (electronic ink) timetable display with button-activated audio ensures that visually impaired users can stay informed.
Along with wireless charging pads on the seats, the shelter boasts a sensor-controlled lighting system, providing subtle low-level lighting at dusk and brighter lights when motion is detected—making the shelter safer and more energy-efficient. The double-sided display boards are strategically positioned, offering essential information inside the shelter and the cycle parking area.
One of the most striking elements of the new shelter is its living "green" roof, featuring resilient sedum plants. These hardy plants are low-maintenance and thrive in urban environments, helping to improve air quality, reduce rainwater runoff, and support our goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The shelter features Central Bedfordshire branding and a distinctive hub roof design that displays the stop name, making it easier for passengers to locate the right bus. Additionally, a large map of the Dunstable area helps passengers find local points of interest.