What makes a good bus stop?
Though Alexandrians probably shouldn’t expect Arlington’s $1 million bus stop, the city is looking for feedback on what kind of amenities should be included on the new West End Transitway.
The West End Transitway is a proposed bus rapid transit system that will run from the Van Dorn Metro station, past the new Landmark development and Mark Center, up to Shirlington.
According to the city website:
The West End Transitway will connect major transit facilities – Van Dorn Metrorail Station, a new transit hub at the former Landmark Mall site, Mark Center Transit Center, a new Southern Towers transit hub, Shirlington Transit Center, and the Pentagon Transit Center – and several neighborhoods along the corridor – Van Dorn/Landmark, a redeveloped Landmark Mall, and Beauregard. This is one of three BRT corridors planned for the City, including the existing Metroway line.
A survey by the city shared a concept for a bus station on the new West End Transitway and asked residents what they do or don’t like about their current bus stops.
The survey also asks bus riders to rank their priorities for new station amenities, including:
- Smart lighting that gets brighter when a person is at the station
- Trees to shade the area
- Solar power to reduce energy use
- Free WiFi
- Interactive screens
- Charging stations for e-bikes or scooters nearby
- Highly visible station names
- Charging ports for phones or other devices
The city’s website said design for the West End Transitway will run through mid-2024, with construction lasting from early 2025 to mid-2027. The first phase of the West End Transitway should begin operating in 2027.