'Super shelter’ for area's busiest bus stop

The new bus shelter in Dunstable has wide openings for wheelchair users, wireless charging pads and sensor-controlled lighting

A busy bus stop has had a makeover to try to make it more accessible, modern and sustainable.

The new "super shelter" outside Asda in Dunstable was the first in a series, and offered wireless phone charging, said Central Bedfordshire Council.

It also includes bike racks, wide entrances for wheelchair users and a green roof with plants growing on top.

The council said the shelter "promises to improve the daily experience for thousands of bus users in the area".

Low-maintenance, hardy sedum plants are grown on top of the bus stop

The stop is "a vital hub for the community" and is used by 13 bus services and five operators, including the busway that runs to Luton Airport.

It provides more than 50 sq m (538 sq ft) of sheltered space with 12 passenger waiting bays and two cycle storage bays.

A timetable display also has an audio option for people with visual impairments, and sensor-controlled lighting which aims to save energy.

The council said the "living roof" featured hardy sedum plants that would help to improve air quality and reduce rainwater runoff.

It was hoped allowing space for bikes would make it easier for people to cycle and use public transport

Funding came from the Department for Transport’s bus improvement scheme.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: "Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that passengers will benefit from this new, state-of-the art shelter.

Tracey Wye, executive member for sustainability and climate resilience at the council, said: "We are hoping more people will be encouraged to take the bus now the bus stop is comfortable and convenient, and can also take care of their bicycles.”

She added that more "super shelters" were planned for Houghton Regis (near Morrisons) and on Dunstable’s Church Street, as well as smaller high-spec ones in Sandy, Cranfield and Dunstable.

At nearly 20m long, the shelter serves 13 different bus services