Effective bus shelters

Bus shelters are intended as shelters from the elements - sun, rain and wind. Two factors should contribute towards their being indeed shelters. The location of the structure and its design are hardly ever taken into consideration.

In order for the shelter to be effective, one has to consider whether it will be facing south, thereby requiring screening from the sun. In an open, unprotected area, it may need orienting against prevailing winds. When a bus shelter comes up for approval prior to installation, these factors should determine its suitability.

The designer may wish to create a model, which would be made up of adjustable components which may be altered and adjusted according to the shelter's location and suitability. A sunscreen component may be fixed to the top in front. A louvered component may be fitted on the sheltered side, thus providing ventilation. A solid panel may be used for shelter from wind and rain.

Space should also be provided for fixing a map of Malta and Gozo, as well as a bus service schedule and a list of emergency telephone numbers.

It is indeed time to start providing the public with well-intended commodities.