Dear Editor,
It is time for all those responsible for public transit to upgrade the safety and security of bus passengers, as well as drivers.
Currently, there does not appear to be any policy when it comes to dedicated lighting at bus stops.
After dark, many bus stops become very obscure even to bus drivers who can easily miss a person waiting at a stop where there is no bench and/or shelter.
On dark and rainy nights, this becomes even more critical. Getting on and off the bus under such circumstances poses both safety and security risks.
I use the bus service daily. During the day, all is well. But after dark is when the problems arise. Buses have left me standing by a post that reads “bus stop” and nothing more.
Bus drivers have told me to wave when I see the bus coming, otherwise they will simply carry on, unless they have to stop to let a passenger off.
Often drivers do not pull up close enough to the curb and you step out onto the street level before stepping up onto the safety of the curb and sidewalk.
On a dark and rainy night, this can be a tricky manoeuvre and not very safe.
Also, who might be lurking at such dark and dreary bus stops with ill intentions? This also puts bus drivers at risk.
It is time all bus stops be fitted with dedicated lighting.
I notice that some bus shelters have lighting for advertisements but many others have advertisements and no lighting.
Perhaps this is simply due to a lack of maintenance. Existing street lighting is not adequate and is not arranged to highlight bus stops. The use of blue lighting to designate bus stops is suggested.
This would not interfere with existing traffic lights or vehicle lights and could be timed to come on at the same time as the street lights. Public transportation must be safe and secure for all of those who currently use it and for those who might think of using it.
Improve the service and more people will use it.
Alan Johnson
Richmond
