Abstract
Public spaces are important part of all human lives. These spaces account for the intellectual growth of individuals and invoke a spirit to own the city. Everybody can access these places any time of the day. Sidewalks, streets, markets, parks, recreational spaces, public squares and bus stops are come under the category of public spaces. Bus stops remain vibrant throughout the time. All sorts of people and activities can be observed at bus stops. Despite the need and importance of bus stops, they are often poorly integrated or neglected and have not been given the attention to make them a successful public and an active social gathering space in planning and urban development. The purpose of this study is to explore how to improve the present condition of public bus stops to increase its use? This study investigates the kind of amenities required at bus stops to provide comfort to public in this space. Moreover, how to make it an active place that fosters community engagement, enhances rider experience. Using qualitative analysis approach (observation, interviews), the research carried out in two inner-city local bus stops of Karachi. Karachi city consist of four major roads. The main focus of the research was the University Road because of daily travelling and observation on this road by the bus. The stops selected for research were (Nepa and Hassan Square) because these were most used locations. The findings suggested that local bus stops of the city support interaction between people and are perfect incubators of life on streets. Through improvements to the existing condition of bus stops, enable them to contribute to the development of social ties as well as increase the use of local transport in the inner-city neighborhoods. The study concludes that public bus stops are not only an important part of transport infrastructure but also serves as social nexus for people, where people gather, wait for buses , converse with their fellow riders and discuss different activities of their lives. They if provided with all amenities then they not only decrease the traffic load of city but also serve much more than transportation purpose; provide opportunity to different ethnic groups to mingle up and stimulate social cohesion by relaxed and hasty interactions.