Who Gets a Bus Stop?

Most people think bus stops just “exist,” like someone randomly dropped a sign on the street one day. But every bus stop is actually a decision based on people, places, and needs. Public transit is not just about buses and drivers; it’s about access to school, jobs, groceries, and community life. Planners have to think about who uses the bus, who might need it but can’t reach it, and who gets left out.

Today, cities are rethinking public transit as housing costs rise and climate concerns grow. Some communities use data like ridership numbers, while others rely on feedback from residents who feel unheard. New tools like digital surveys and location data help planners see patterns, but listening to people’s lived experiences still matters most. At its core, transportation design is about fairness, safety, and helping people get where they need to go.

Your Task:
You are going to step into the role of a community transit planner and create a survey.

Step 1: Reflect and Observe
Think about your neighborhood or an area near your school. Where are the nearest bus stops? Who do you usually see waiting there (students, workers, older adults)? Write 2–3 quick notes about who benefits most and who might face challenges using the bus.

Step 2: Create a Survey
Write 3 survey questions you would ask people in your community about bus stops to help the city make public transit decisions. Survey questions can use Likert scales, multiple-choice, or open-ended formats. Example: How far do you walk to reach the nearest bus stop?

Submission: Include your 3 questions in bullet-point format. Briefly describe the information you hope to gain from the survey you created and how it could guide future transit decisions.