Hospitable bus stops are among the most important aspects of social inclusion, public space and the sustainability of the built environment. While the area outside of the new LA Live contains copious plantings–oversized, in fact–they have the look and feel of landscape designed to be viewed from a passing car. Moreover, they create a barrier to getting on the bus although there is a space to step through them. What really undermines the stop, though, is no bench. Scanty shade. Little transit information other than labeling the routes that stop here, which are not plentiful.

Keep in mind that this is not some random suburban bus stop. LA Live is supposed to be a major regional destination–the “Times Square of the West.”