Bristol Living Roof bus shelter trial

A little oasis of oxygen boosting plants can be found on the roof of a new bus shelter on Redcliffe Way in Bristol city centre.

Bristol City Council, in partnership with Clear Channel UK, is piloting a Living Roof bus shelter to decide whether the bee-friendly bus stops are right for the city.

The purpose-designed roof sits on top of a replacement bus shelter on Redcliffe Way and includes a mix of native wildflowers and sedum plants.

Living roofs, also known as ‘Bee Bus Stops’, are designed to bring more greenery into urban areas, while supporting biodiversity. They absorb rainwater, capture particulates from the air, and support bees and other pollinators.

Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am really excited to welcome Bristol’s first Living Roof bus shelter.

“We are investigating all the ways we can make public transport more sustainable. Replacing bus shelters, that have come to the end of their useable lives, with the Living Roof system could help us to bring down air pollution at the roadside and give a boost to our bee population.

“This trial, being carried out at no charge to the council, will help us decide whether Living Roofs are right for the city.”

The pilot is being run in partnership with Clear Channel UK, who maintain Bristol’s bus shelters on behalf of the council.

Will Ramage, Clear Channel’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve been a partner of Bristol City Council for over three decades and we’re excited to introduce Living Roofs to the city.

“As a company we have a real responsibility towards the local communities that we operate in. The projects we’re helping to set up and support will have a tangible positive impact on the lives of many people from Bristol and we hope to see more Living Roofs across the city in the future.”

The Redcliffe Way R4 bus stop, next to the Double Tree by Hilton hotel, serves the A1 and 70 and 73 buses that travel to Bristol airport, Frenchay, Cribbs Causeway and Stoke Gifford.

As well as the Living Roof, the replacement bus shelter includes a real time information display, to provide up to date bus service information, and a raised kerb, to improve accessibility for passengers. The bus stop cage will also be extended in January, to make sure it is fully accessible to buses.