Why Being Public Transport-Friendly Can Bring in More Customers

More Transport Options Means More Customers

For years, businesses have obsessed over parking spaces. But here’s the reality: the more ways people have to get somewhere, the more likely they are to go. Buses, trams, and trains keep a constant stream of people passing by. And people who pass by pop in.

For example, a coffee shop next to a tram stop? Great for commuters grabbing a caffeine fix. A bakery by a bus stop? Perfect for people picking up breakfast on the way to work. Even hair salons, boutiques, and gyms get more foot traffic when they’re near good public transport, because people see them, remember them, and visit them when it’s convenient.

Customers Stay Longer When Public Transport is Nearby

Ever had a great meal, checked the time, and panicked because your parking was about to expire? Or did you skip dessert because you didn’t want to deal with the rush-hour traffic just to get home?

Well, think about this; public transport takes that stress away. Actually, when customers know they’ve got a bus, tram, or train nearby, they relax. They spend more time browsing, they order that extra drink, they check out a few more shops while they wait. And for businesses? Well, they make more money.

A Business that’s Easy to Get to Feels More Welcoming

Now you really have to keep in mind that people don’t want to fight traffic or struggle to find a way home after they visit a business. They want to walk out the door, take a few steps, and hop on a bus, tram, or train with zero hassle.

Public Transport Attracts a Wider Range of Customers

Businesses that only cater to drivers are missing out on a huge customer base. As you probably already know, public transport welcomes everyone! So, if a business is easy to reach, people will choose it over somewhere that isn’t.

A Comfortable Bus Stop is an Instant Upgrade

Now this one might sound just a little weird, but bear with it. So, a bus stop outside a business is great, but a good bus stop is even better. Nobody enjoys standing in the rain, sweating in the sun, or getting splashed by a passing lorry while waiting for a ride home.

Well, that’s why bus shelters matter. A bus shelter manufacturer can provide proper seating, shade, and lighting, turning a boring bus stop into a welcoming waiting area. Now, this doesn’t inherently mean that you need to buy one. But with that said, businesses near public transport stops can advocate for better shelters, making sure customers and employees aren’t miserable before they even step inside.

Public Transport Keeps Local Businesses Thriving

Now, you need to remember that businesses don’t exist in a vacuum. So, a shop, café, or restaurant is part of a bigger community, and public transport makes that community stronger.

Transport Hubs Bring in More Customers

Have you ever noticed how shopping areas near train stations and busy bus stops are always packed? Well, it’s because people using public transport naturally stop at businesses along the way. It was already mentioned earlier, but it’s best to go a bit more in-depth with it.

So, here’s a great example; a café near a tram stop doesn’t just get morning commuters, it gets people waiting for their ride home, tourists needing a break, and workers grabbing lunch. A grocery store near a bus station becomes the perfect place to pick up essentials before heading home. Overall, public transport keeps an area lively, busy, and full of spending customers.

A Walkable, Connected Area Feels More Alive

Okay, this one is super obvious, especially if you’re from an area with a lot of public transport, but it still deserves some recognition; Public transport isn’t just good for businesses, it makes neighbourhoods more walkable, welcoming, and people-friendly. Instead of cars taking up space, you get pedestrians, street activity, and an overall better vibe.

Again, just think of it like this (which is the main message); more people walking around = more foot traffic for local shops, more spontaneous visits, and a more inviting atmosphere.

How to Make a Business More Public Transport-Friendly

So, there’s only so much you can do, well, realistically speaking. Because at the end of the day, it really depends on what the city or town you live in wants. But of course, a few small changes can make a massive difference in how easy a business is to visit.

Make Public Transport Options Obvious

If a business is near a bus stop or train station, customers should know about it. That means:

• Signs outside pointing to the nearest stop.
• Website details listing public transport options.
• Employees knowing basic routes and schedules so they can help customers.

So, if you think about it like this; the easier it is to figure out how to get there, the more likely people are to visit.

Make the Waiting Experience Better

This was briefly mentioned earlier with the bus shelter, but again, you only have so much control with something like that. But if your business is near a busy bus stop, making sure it’s a pleasant place to wait makes a huge difference. But if you can, consider looking into a bench, shaded area, or well-lit space, which turns a dull wait into a chance for customers to grab a coffee or check out a shop.

Push for Better Public Transport Access

Okay, this was mentioned earlier, and yes, you should still consider this one! So, businesses near public transport benefit when routes are improved. That’s why working with local councils to push for better bus services, pedestrian-friendly streets, and upgraded transport stops helps everyone. But even something as simple as advocating for a covered bus stop can make a difference for potential customers and employees alike.

Don’t Ignore the Power of Public Transport

Some businesses act like if people really want to visit, they’ll just figure it out. But in all honesty, if getting there feels like an obstacle course, most people will just go somewhere else. If a business makes people work too hard just to show up, they won’t bother. They’ll pick the shop, café, or gym that’s easy to get to, because convenience always wins.

People Will Always Pick the Path of Least Resistance

So, just imagine it’s been a long day. You’re starving, and there are two restaurants nearby. One is right by your tram stop, practically calling your name. The other? A ten-minute walk in the opposite direction. Unless that second place is serving actual gold-plated pizza, there’s no way you're trekking over there, right?

Well, businesses that plant themselves near public transport hubs don’t have to fight for attention. The customers are already there, all they have to do is walk in.

If It’s a Hassle to Get There, People Won’t Come Back

It was already mentioned, but maybe one more time! So, a customer might love a particular bakery, boutique, or hair salon, but if getting there is a pain, that love won’t last. A shop that’s tucked away in a part of town with no buses might be fine for a once-in-a-blue-moon visit, but it’s never going to become a regular stop.