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Bus Stop Signs

Bus Stop Signs

Bus stop signage is a key element of branding, an important passenger information tool, and a marketing strategy that provides value every day:


  • It lets passengers know where they can catch the bus.
  • It creates system visibility throughout the community.


Because it advertises the availability of transit service within a given area or to a specific destination, information at the bus stop is particularly important for building ridership among transient populations such as visitors and college students, and for encouraging first-time use by new riders.


Bus stop signage should be implemented along all fixed routes, identifying each stop with a permanent sign that includes, at minimum:


  • System logo
  • Universal bus symbol and/or the text “Bus Stop”
  • Telephone number
  • Website address
A collage of pictures of different bus stop signs.

Canva Templates

Bus stop signs are best designed by a professional graphic designer or by a sign company, but we’ve provided some templates in Canva that may help get you started and allow you to explore some layout ideas. If you download your design from Canva as a PDF print file, it might work for production by your sign company, or they may use that as a basis to recreate it using their own software.

A blue sign that says alpha transit bus stop on it.

Bus Stop Sign 1

12” x 18”
Use Canva Template

A beta transit sign with a blue bus on it.

Bus Stop Sign 2

12” x 18”
Use Canva Template

A sign that says beta transit bus stop on it.

Bus Stop Sign 3

12” x 18”
Use Canva Template

A beta transit bus stop sign for route 1 valley hills.

Bus Stop Sign 4

12” x 18”
Use Canva Template

A blue sign that says bus stop gamma transit.

Bus Stop Sign 5

12” x 18”
Use Canva Template

Route Information at the Stop

Bus stops also are an opportunity to provide route and schedule information at the point when the rider may need it most: when they are ready to take a trip. There are a number of ways in which information can be provided at the bus stop:


  • Decals added to a basic bus stop sign can show what routes serve the stop, their destinations, and the days and hours of service. An example of this style of sign is in the templates below.
  • Changeable information panels can be used to easily display schedule information for the route or routes serving a specific stop.
  • QR codes at each stop can connect riders with schedule information for the route or for the specific stop. If you have a real-time system that will give riders next arrival times, a QR code on the bus stop sign might link directly to that.
  • A phone number and bus stop number can be provided which allows the rider to access automated schedule information for that stop via a call or text.
  • Display panels affixed to the back of shelters can be used to post system maps, schedules, and other information.


Having information available at the bus stop is particularly important on low-frequency routes. If the bus arrives at a stop only a few times a day, or even a few times a week, knowing the precise time is critical for a potential rider.


Once information is provided at the bus stop, it must be updated on a regular basis. Outdated information will not win friends—or riders.

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