Worcester City Council is the first local authority in the UK to place orders for a new type of bus shelter, which aims to break the mould in design when it comes to sustainability, accessibility and technology.
With real time passenger information both in and on the shelter, and a large interactive display, the smart hub is designed to give travellers all the information they need for a journey. Smart lighting, integrated CCTV, graffiti resistant materials and an antibacterial coating will also provide passengers with safety and security.
Each hub features sustainable technology, designed to support Worcester’s net zero and aggregated power policy. Part-powered by two solar panels and a vertical wind turbine, the shelters are made from recycled bottles and can be completely recycled at the end of use.
Additionally, the shelter in Cathedral Square will also include a bee- and insect-friendly sedum roof, absorbing carbon from the city’s streets, and will work to promote travel alternatives with smart bike and scooter racks.
The Smart Plus shelters will be supplied, installed and maintained by 21st Century Passenger Systems Limited and Etesian Green Limited, working in partnership.
Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, said: “We’re really proud to be leading the way with this sort of technology on our transport network.
“These smart shelters will act as hubs across the county and will feature technology designed to promote public transport and demonstrate that it is a clean, safe and sustainable way to travel. The shelters also contribute to our environmental initiatives with the one in Worcester featuring a sedum roof to attract pollinators.”
