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Transit Stops need to be ‘lovable’

Nidhi Gulati, Project for Public Spaces, will be the keynote at CMT Annual Meeting
Nidhi Gulati, was the keynote at CMT Annual Meeting

CMT welcomed Nidhi Gulati, a fellow for Project for Public Spaces and Program Manager for Emerald Network at Livable Streets Alliance, as the keynote for the 32nd Annual Meeting on September 1.  With a sold out crowd in attendance, Ms. Gulati talked about the importance of making transit stops – bus stops and train stops – ‘lovable’.

A transit stop in Canada that incorporates swings which increases the 'lovability' factor according to CMT keynote Nidhi Gulati.
A transit stop in Canada that incorporates swings which increases the ‘lovability’ factor according to CMT keynote Nidhi Gulati.

“Transit stations are public realm.  As a part of our public realm, we need to provide space for these stations. They are the first impressions of a city, and we need to go beyond perceptions of transit to lovability of these places within our communities for visitors and residents.”

Gulati sighted her experiences in the United States and abroad on transit stations that are welcoming and invite passengers to stay, sit and enjoy versus stations where passengers continue to look over their shoulders.  “A transit station can serve as your first impression of a city,” said Gulati.

As parts of the public realm, Gulati stressed the importance of planning for the 8 year old  and the 80 year old. In effect, this type of planning will make transit accessible to all ages.

Gulati recommended some simple steps to get started:

  • Ask, don’t tell
  • Have a vision
  • Instill a vision
  • Be creative
  • Think BIG, act SMALL
  • Test, observe, learn, REPEAT!

“Nidhi did an excellent job of telling the story of why transit needs to be welcoming and a part of the community. The key is thinking outside the box with regards to the vision of what can be at our stations in  St. Louis. We look forward to continuing our discussions with her as our placemaking work around transit moves forward,” said Kim Cella, executive director of CMT.

Nidhi Gulati Presentation from CMT Annual MeetingPresentation for viewing only. Pictures borrowed for inspiration and messaging. Please verify copyrights with independent photographers for redistribution.


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