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Use of Plastic in The Transportation Industry

Plastics have made a huge impact on a number of industries, and transportation is no different. Those who use transit providers regularly and even those who run transit services may not fully realize the impact that plastics have on so many of the features they interact with on a regular basis. 

plastic in the transportation industry

From plastic windows at bus stations to partition barriers for kiosks, custom plastic fabrication can play an important role for transit providers and their customers. Here’s a rundown of all the areas where plastic has made a big impact on the transportation industry. 

Ticket Windows

Anyone who has purchased a bus, plane, or train ticket from a provider has likely come across ticket window barriers. However, some people don’t even notice these simple sheets of plastic — and for good reason. They’re generally made of clear sheets like acrylic that allows for full visibility and easy communication between both sides. Some may even include small openings or speakers to help facilitate seamless transactions. 

These ticket window barriers are meant to keep transit workers safe and protect essential resources by putting a simple physical barrier between the two sides. However, the crystal visual clarity still allows the two sides to complete the process without a hitch. And both sides should be able to clearly hear one another and easily swap currency and tickets when necessary. Basically, their job is to provide protection while making it seem like there’s no barrier at all. 

Kiosks

Many transportation providers are now providing self-serve kiosks in addition to or in lieu of manned ticket windows. These systems allow customers to easily purchase tickets or complete transactions on their own, making transit systems even more efficient and creating a smooth experience for riders. They can also help providers keep costs down by limiting staffing needs, especially during less busy times when just a few customers may need to purchase tickets. 

However, many of these stations also include kiosk plastic dividers around each individual area. These are designed to keep customers separated while they complete transactions to improve safety and privacy. They can also help to clearly outline where each customer should stand, which can help to streamline the process and keep lines orderly so customers don’t get confused as they go to purchase tickets. 

These partition barriers for kiosks can be transparent like the ones used for ticket window sneezeguards and other clear barriers around bus stations. However, many of them are translucent or opaque to provide more privacy to the individuals who are using them to purchase tickets. In these instances, it’s not essential for individuals to see or communicate from one side of the barrier to the other. So kiosk plastic dividers can simply provide some separation while still having a professional and aesthetically pleasing look. 

Bus Stations

Bus stations provide a central location for customers to purchase tickets and wait for transportation. Many transit providers also offer extra stops that provide customers with safe and clearly outlined space to wait for pickup. They are often constructed using plastic windows and may also include a small bench or selection of seats. This type of setup makes it especially clear where people should wait for each bus, which streamlines their experience and also makes it easier for drivers to ensure they make the necessary stops to pick up new riders. 

Additionally, plastic windows give people a barrier to protect them from wind, precipitation, or other elements that may otherwise make their waiting experience less comfortable. Custom plastic fabrication allows transit providers to easily create the exact size and look they want for each stop or station. Some windows may be transparent or translucent depending on the desired aesthetics. And they can also choose the size of each panel based on how many people are likely to need to fit inside each bus stop comfortably. 

Custom plastic fabrication is also perfect for this purpose because the materials are durable enough to hold up well over time. Materials are generally more impact resistant than traditional glass. So if a stray tree branch or other piece of debris strikes the side of one of the plastic windows, it is unlikely to break or shatter. Plastics are also lightweight, making them easy to install or replace if needed. So the bus stop windows and seating areas can continue to look and function just like new for years to come, keeping costs as low as possible for transit providers. This can also help to limit the amount of maintenance that is needed, which can streamline operations and make transportation companies more efficient. 

If you need plastic windows, partition barriers for kiosks, or ticket window sneezeguards to support your transit operations, contact Polymershapes today to discuss your options. We offer a wide array of plastic solutions that can be customized to your exact specifications. Our Dayton fabrication center is outfitted with state of the art machining and conversion equipment like CNC machines, which allows us to quickly and efficiently customize plastics for clients in various industries. In addition to working with transit providers, we also offers solutions for construction companies, energy providers, machine manufacturers, retail businesses, and companies in a wide array of other industries. We’re also part of the Polymershapes network, so we have the resources of a nationwide brand to help our team support clients and get orders out quickly. To request a quote, simply visit our website and fill out a request form. A member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your custom plastic fabrication needs.