In the near 200 years that we have been using bus stops, the waiting area itself has changed – specifically the seating arrangements. Originally, there would have been nowhere to sit at all, as the bus stop consisted solely of a marker indicating where the driver ought to stop. As they became more popular and bus routes more numerous, it was decided that bus stops should have somewhere for people to sit.

The first bus stop seats

The earliest bus stop seats would have been little more than a bench lined up against the wall, near to the bus stop marker. Since many of the first bus stops were positioned at popular gathering points like markets and pubs, it has been suggested that these benches were set out by the owners of those establishments, rather than the bus companies themselves.

Modern bus stop seats

Like everything else, bus stop seats have evolved to move with the times. As bus shelters became more commonplace, bespoke wooden benches were included in the shelters. Whilst these were sometimes no different to the freestanding benches of old, it became more common for them to be affixed to the shelter. Changes in production and materials lead to metal and glass shelters. These forewent the traditional wooden bench in favour of more modern bench materials such as plastic and metal (usually an aluminium and steel bond). These days, most bus shelter seating isn’t just attached to the shelter but moulded as part of the structure itself.

Shelter Solutions bus stop seats

At Shelter Solutions, many of our bus shelters come equipped with quality seating arrangements. Like most manufacturers, we use metal in our seats due to its strength and durability, though we go with 100% aluminium for its lighter weight and its improved weather resistance. With a polyester powder covering offering even more protection, they are guaranteed to be rust-proof for a minimum of 15 years.

For more information about our bus stops and bus stop shelters – seats and all – feel free to contact us at Shelter Solutions today. A member of our team will be happy to assist you with any of your queries.