Plataforma Bus is an indispensable urban element in urban transport stops located on the lane next to pavements along which vehicles are parked. It prevents drivers from having to move the bus closer to the pavement, thus improving speed and safety for passengers getting on and off the bus. In addition, it recovers space for parking vehicles on each side of the platform.
The Plataforma Bus was designed to improve mobility conditions in the city of Barcelona. It was first installed in 1996 and is still used today.
The platform has three modular elements: central, left and right, with dimensions of 3 m x 1.40 m and a height of 18 cm. It has articulated ramps made from cast aluminium measuring 1.50 m x 50 cm which are used to bridge the gap between the pavement and platform and facilitate cleaning beneath the bars.
The three modular elements have a slotted part at the edge of the horizontal surface, making the end visible and preventing it from sliding. On the left module the slotted part is interrupted to mark the threshold of the bus entrance. On the vertical plane, the raised strips painted in contrasting grey reflective paint make the modular elements easier to see at night. The ramps have grooved surfaces to prevent pedestrians from slipping.
The platform is made from reinforced concrete, and is supplied only in granite grey colour. The folding bars are made from cast aluminium. Their supports are made from galvanised steel. It is installed on the pavement with vertical anchoring pins to secure it and prevent it from moving sideways, without having to be fastened with resin.