Benches Matter

by Lynn Terlaga, Municipal Affairs at COA – Partnering with municipalities and transit authorities to provide cost-free infrastructure.

Have you ever noticed that waiting for the bus is a bit like waiting for a plot twist in a movie: uncomfortable, unpredictable, and frequently underwhelming? But here’s the thing — sometimes it’s not the bus that’s the problem. It’s what’s not there while you wait: a seat.

After 41 years in 320+ public-private partnerships, we’ve picked up more than a few lessons. Among them: benches matter. Design matters. Cleanliness, reliability, respect — all of those things matter. And the research backs it up.

🧐 What the Research Says (Yes, There Is Research)

• Less than 20% of more than 122,000 bus stops served by 16 of America’s largest transit agencies have shelters. That’s according to The Washington Post. The Washington Post
• A study from Salt Lake City showed that when stops are improved with benches, shelters, and accessibility features, boardings go up. Also, people who used ADA Paratransit switched to regular bus service. That means two big wins: more transit ridership and reduced special service costs. PDXScholar
• Another study found that amenities like benches and shelters reduce perceived waiting time. A bench isn’t just a seat — it’s a psychological and physical relief. MDPI+1

💡 Why This Matters to Cities, Mayors, & City Managers

• Ridership grows with small improvements: more people use transit when waiting is comfortable, weather-protected, and safe.
• Equity & inclusion: people with mobility issues, seniors, folks who can’t stand for long — they count. Benches and shelters aren’t luxuries; they enable participation.
• Savings over time: when more people use regular bus service instead of paratransit, that’s lower costs, fewer special accommodations needed.
• Civic pride + trust: clean, well-designed street furniture says “we care about residents’ everyday experience.” It builds goodwill.

🎯 What We’ve Learned (Because Yes, We’ve Been Doing This a Long Time)

• Street furniture is not “one size fits all.” Each city has its personality — and its quirks (weather, pedestrian patterns, budget, geography).
• Flexibility and control are key: location, design, maintenance, content — cities should drive all of it.
• Accountability matters: transparent partnerships, clear maintenance plans, reliable service keep people happy and keep benches not looking like relics.

🚀 The Partnership

If your city is thinking about adding bus benches or public recycling bins (or both), I’d love to explore a partnership. What we offer:

• Cost-free infrastructure (yes, really)
• Maintenance-free (we take care of it)
• Full control on your end (from sites to appearance to sponsorships)
• A design and service standard you and your residents will notice

Let’s talk. Comfort may seem small, but it changes everything about how people move through their city — how they feel about the waiting and the ride.

If you liked this message, feel free to share. I’m always curious: what’s the worst bus stop you’ve ever waited at? Reply and tell me. Let’s compare stories — and maybe spark some changes.

See you at the bench!

Website: www.CreativeOutdoor.com

🚏 Interested in exploring a no-cost bench program for your city?

Let’s talk. This isn’t about furniture. It’s about equity, climate, health, and the economy, all wrapped up in a bench.  At COA, we understand the importance of creating inviting public spaces. That’s why we offer cost-free, maintenance-free, and worry-free public seating programs. With over 300 successful partnerships and 40 years of experience, COA is a trusted leader in the industry.