New shelters, part of the Greener Route initiative, are designed to be more sustainable, more comfortable and more accessible.
Innovative new bus shelters which are designed to be more sustainable, more comfortable and more accessible are set to be installed in Basildon.
Essex County Council is working with Bauer Media Outdoor to upgrade a series of shelters along Whitmore Way, a key bus route in the town.
The joint investment project forms part of the council’s Greener Route initiative in Basildon, which will also include the introduction of electric buses by First Bus.
A total of 18 shelters will be installed, with work starting last week and set to be completed this autumn.
The shelters are part of Bauer Media Outdoor’s new Milestone range and will be the first in the UK to be installed. Two different types from the range are set to be installed in Basildon.
The Milestone range includes:
nature-inspired design with greenery and biodiversity enhancements, including living roofs and planters
sustainable materials including long-lasting wood, low carbon concrete, and low carbon glass, producing70% lower CO2e than a three-bay legacy bus shelter
above-ground foundations for faster installation, reducing disruption to road networks and reducing shelters’ environmental impact
enhanced passenger experience with new seating design, focused on support and comfort
improved accessibility featuring NaviLens, an augmented reality technology enabling provision of real-time information which is more inclusive for those blind, visually impaired or neurodiverse, as well as priority seats, and back-lit timetables
redesigned lighting utilising low energy, solar powered smart lighting for better visibility
supporting safer journeys with What3Words and Strut Safe helpline information
The shelters are designed and created in the UK, using locally sourced and recyclable materials, contributing to a low-carbon supply chain.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “These incredible new shelters are a huge step forward for Basildon and for Essex. Not only do they offer an improved experience for passengers, they are more accessible and better for the environment. By investing in greener infrastructure and working with partners like Bauer Media Outdoor, we’re helping to create a safer, greener and healthier transport network for everyone in Essex.”
Will Ramage, Managing Director at Bauer Media Outdoor, said: “Milestone is the range for change and this is a groundbreaking moment for the public transport experience. Milestone reimagines what a humble bus shelter can be – more sustainable, more comfortable, and more user-focused than ever before. We are thrilled to partner with Essex County Council to bring this pioneering public infrastructure to Basildon, hoping to encourage more bus use and significantly improve passenger experience.”
The Milestone range was developed using insights from 3,200 bus users from a Transport Focus panel. This included disabled people, parents, carers, and older adults.
Bauer Media Outdoor conducted extensive research as well as product testing in partnership with organisations including disability equality charity Scope and the Thomas Pocklington Trust.
The project will be evaluated over the next 12 months to decide if it could be rolled out in other parts of Essex.
See the list of stops being upgraded and find out more about the Basildon Greener Route at: Basildon Greener Route | Travel Essex
