Bespoke Stainless Steel Bus Shelters Installed in Stoke-on-Trent
As part of a wider programme of urban realm improvements around Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent City Council required a high-quality, bespoke bus shelter solution that would enhance the arrival experience at the city’s main station and strengthen key transport links.
Trueform was appointed to design, engineer, manufacture and install two 14-bay bespoke stainless steel bus shelters. Delivering a solution that balanced durability, passenger comfort, heritage sensitivity, and long-term sustainability.
The Challenge
Station Road is a prominent gateway into Stoke-on-Trent. Surrounded by historic architecture, and subject to high passenger volumes and exposure to the elements. The challenge was to create a modern, robust shelter solution that:
- Enhanced passenger comfort and safety
- Reflected the character of neighbouring historic buildings
- Integrated seamlessly into wider urban realm works
- Supported long-term transport and sustainability objectives
- Met the operational and maintenance requirements of a busy transport corridor
The solution needed to be fully bespoke, durable, and aligned with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s long-term Transport Strategy and Delivery Plan (2022–2031).
The Solution
Trueform worked collaboratively with a large contractor, engineering designer and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to develop a custom-designed shelter solution, that mirrored the original architectural concept while ensuring buildability, longevity, and value.
Key features included:
- 2 no. bespoke 14-bay stainless steel shelters
- Fully enclosed design to provide enhanced weather protection
- Low-power LED lighting to improve safety and reduce energy consumption
- Timber seating for improved passenger comfort and visual warmth
- Integrated display cases for passenger information and notices
- A custom glass pattern, designed specifically to echo the distinctive diaper brick pattern of the surrounding historic buildings
The use of stainless steel ensured exceptional durability, resistance to corrosion, and reduced whole-life maintenance costs, making the shelters well suited to a high-traffic, urban environment.
Collaboration & Delivery
Trueform’s in-house design, engineering and manufacturing teams worked closely with all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Early engagement allowed the team to refine detailing, materials and finishes, ensuring the shelters complemented the wider public realm works while meeting technical and programme requirements.
By managing the project end-to-end, from concept development through to installation, Trueform ensured quality control, programme certainty, and a smooth on-site delivery.
Outcomes & Benefits
The completed shelters now form a key element of the enhanced Station Road corridor, delivering:
- Improved passenger comfort and protection
- A visually striking gateway that respects local heritage
- Safer, well-lit waiting environments
- Infrastructure designed for long-term use and reduced maintenance
- Seamless integration with wider station and transport upgrades
Strategic Alignment
The project directly supports the Stoke-on-Trent City Council Transport Strategy and Delivery Plan 2022–2031, which sets out an ambition to deliver affordable, deliverable transport improvements that:
- Support economic growth
- Improve residents’ mobility and wellbeing
- Enhance environmental sustainability
Transport connectivity and sustainability are central to the city’s Powering Up agenda, and the Station Road shelters play a vital role in creating an attractive, accessible, and future-ready transport gateway.
This project demonstrates Trueform’s expertise in delivering bespoke transport infrastructure that balances design quality, engineering performance, heritage sensitivity, and strategic objectives. Through collaboration, innovation, and UK-based manufacturing, Trueform delivered a solution that enhances the passenger experience while supporting the long-term vision for Stoke-on-Trent’s transport network.
