Design as if bus stops mattered: exploring the potential role of public transport stops in the urban environment

Public transport stops are commonly considered just as functional elements of the transport system. Their design is based on technical parameters and standardisation. Nevertheless, public transport stops can play an important role in the urban environment. Indeed, they can concur to generate and enhance public spaces. However, the idea of transport infrastructures as urban places in all respects is chiefly referred to major railway, metro or intermodal stations. Ordinary public transport stops are as widely spread throughout the city as neglected by urban designers and by the scientific debate. The article explores how the potential role of public transport stops as shaping features of the urban environment is dealt with in the scientific debate, shows some examples that express this potential and proposes five design principles. Public transport stops can undoubtedly concur to shape the urban public space but this potential has been overlooked.