A group of rangatahi pushing for better bus stops in South Invercargill have highlighted issues with safety, damage and graffiti.

This week, a council committee heard from three youth about the issues, with one saying many stops were in a "visible state of neglect".

“Graffiti, rusted metal, broken glass, and missing or damaged shelters are common,” Massey University student Mya Kairau told councillors.

 A lack of shelter and graffiti are just some of the issues at play. Credit: South Alive/Supplied

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“This not only defeats the basic purpose of a sheltered bus stop, but it also quietly reinforces negative stereotypes. Particularly the idea that bus users are primarily from lower decile socio economic backgrounds and therefore less deserving of quality infrastructure.”

Kairau said although bus stops were essential public infrastructure, their condition communicated neglect and a lack of investment.

Aurora College head girl Ashe MacDonald had first-hand experience with bad bus stops, having previously endured long waits for a Kingswell service without shelter.

"During the hail, during the rain, we had to stand there," she said.

MacDonald called for dry, sheltered and safe stops, saying people could feel "less than" when using versions which were dirty or unkempt.

Former head student Keira Reece explained the push for better bus stops came about after transport repeatedly came up as a barrier to participation during Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation’s work with rangatahi and community organisations.

The group has called for a trial of two bus stops in Invercargill in hopes it will inform future upgrades. Credit: South Alive/Supplied

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Insights were taken to co-design sessions, and bus stops emerged as a theme, she said.

“For many young people, the bus stop is where the stress starts, before the bus even arrives.

"A lot of stops feel unsafe, exposed to weather, poorly lit, uncomfortable, or just not designed for the people who actually use them.”

Kairau said the group proposed a trial across two stops in Invercargill — one with a shelter and one with a pole.

She said piloting changes allowed the council to gather evidence and feedback which could inform upgrades.

The trio's presentation was well-received by councilors, with Grant Dermody saying it was the best summation on a public transport system he'd seen.

Staff also appeared positive, with strategic asset planning manager Russell Pearson saying there were common goals.

Pearson believed roughly a third of the city's bus stops had shelter.

Chair Alex Crackett said a report would come back to consider the presentation.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air