anyone else see that story about the new interstate plans in the carolinas?

Good points about the lighting—I've noticed the same thing around my neighborhood. Bright LEDs are great for visibility, sure, but softer lighting can still be plenty effective without feeling like you're under interrogation every time you wait for the bus. As for the plants, I get your concern about maintenance, but I've seen a few setups that actually work pretty well. For instance, ornamental grasses or groundcovers like creeping thyme or sedum can look nice without getting unruly. They don't need much trimming at all and can handle drought and neglect pretty gracefully. Plus, a little greenery really does make waiting areas feel more welcoming and less sterile. Maybe it's just about choosing the right plants and planning carefully from the start...