When people are taken to build their own bus bench, it’s time to take benches seriously. Bus riders are screaming for a seat, anything, just a place to rest. A quick Google search shows a bunch of guerrilla installations by creative, well-meaning individuals out to help their neighbors.
Imagine being a little short of breath after walking to the bus stop, just wanting a quick rest. These modern-day vigilantes are coming to your rescue. “One bench in particular has a message hand-written in marker: “This bench supports bus riders more than the city does.”
Why do benches take a back seat? Maybe because they aren’t very sexy. No glitz, no glam, no flashing lights or digital options. Not even a ribbon-cutting. Just an ADA-compliant place to sit that doesn’t often make for big news, but lately, it sure makes some little news.
Check out some of the guerrilla benches seen around the Internet. I applaud the kindness of strangers, the time, the money, the talent, and the heart they put into these benches. But unfortunately, these guerrilla benches may leave municipalities exposed to liabilities for personal injury, maintenance, and repairs. What can cities do but remove them? Glad you asked!
If you are a city, town, village, or transit authority and would like to investigate placing cost and maintenance free benches in your community, I welcome your questions. Please reach out.