Calgary 
Calgary Transit is evaluating two new bench styles as part of a pilot project aimed at improving accessibility and infrastructure durability at select CTrain stations.
Credit: City of Calgary
The trial involves stainless steel and concrete bench designs, chosen for their potential to meet long-term functional needs and withstand Calgary’s climate.
According to Chris Jordan, Manager of Transit Service Systems, the goal is to identify a bench option that balances comfort, technical suitability, and longevity, ideally lasting around 10 years under heavy use.
Both materials are corrosion-resistant and designed for easy maintenance, which is expected to reduce repair costs and downtime. The concrete version has already been implemented successfully along the Bow River pathway.
The pilot benches are currently installed at Marlborough, City Hall, and Brentwood stations.
Transit users at these locations are encouraged to test the seating and provide feedback via an online survey, accessible through QR codes on-site.
Calgary Transit is particularly interested in responses from individuals with limited mobility to help assess the accessibility and practicality of each design.
Customer input will inform the final selection, aiming to ensure the chosen bench is inclusive, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Which one would be more sanitary in the long run? Is stainless steel better?