Bus station is more than just a stop. How we are rethinking its role, — Sambir ATP-14608

At the MAPA strategic session held in June this year, participants shared their cases on forming a new vision of the concept of a «bus station».Vladimir Romanyak, deputy director for bus station operations at Sambir ATP-14608 LLC, talked about how the company is not only modernizing bus stations but also introducing a new concept to the market.

It's worth adding that other bus stations are also using this concept, but in a mixed or different form. However, we believe that one of the best examples of modernizing thinking and testing a new format for bus stations is at Sambir ATP-14608 LLC. So, how is a motor transport company changing the concept of bus stations in the Lviv region? Find out in Volodymyr Romanyak's blog.

Introductory remarks

When we hear the word «bus station»,” we imagine noise, minibuses, queues at the ticket office, and people rushing to catch their bus. But today it's time to change that perception. A bus station can be more than just a transit point; it can be a fully-fledged public space — convenient, accessible, and modern.

Sambir ATP-14608 LLC has been providing passenger transportation in the Lviv region for over 65 years. We manage 17% of all bus stations in the region. These are:

• Sambir Bus Station
• Staryi Sambir Bus Station
• Busk Bus Station
• Rudky Bus Station
• Dobromyl Bus Station

We provide the full range of services that passengers expect: ticket sales, waiting areas, arrivals/departures, bus and luggage services, parking. We also offer commercial real estate for rent at our facilities.

At the same time, there are challenges that we are working to overcome, namely:

• Lack of legislative regulation
• Low inclusivity — bus stations are not always convenient for people with reduced mobility
• Inadequate infrastructure
• Passenger safety issues
• Lack of quality technical maintenance

The current market situation, a new vision, and best European practices have led us to rethink the very concept of a bus station. We want it to be not just a transfer point, but a place where it is convenient and pleasant to spend time. It should be a public space — open, modern, and multifunctional.

Example — Busk Bus Station

A striking example of the implementation of our vision is the recently opened Busk Bus Station. It was here that we decided to implement the idea in a new way. We are transforming the bus station into something similar to a shopping center: there is transportation, there are services, there is space for relaxation. But the main thing is comfort and accessibility for everyone.

This approach is only possible in cooperation with local authorities. This includes the development of adjacent areas and coordination with municipal services. A bus station is part of the urban environment, and it should be its worthy face.

We believe that a modern bus station is not just about «getting on a bus». It is about the human experience in the city, the quality of service, and how infrastructure can affect our daily lives.

And I sincerely invite colleagues, businesses, communities, and authorities to join us in rethinking this space together.