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Bus Shelter and Bus Stop Redesign Project
Pictures and images of the new conceptual designs will be available after the City Council meeting on January 19, 2010. Please check back on January 20 to view the conceptual renderings of the proposed stops and signs.
WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT...
The Big Blue Bus is in the early phases of redeveloping its bus stops to improve customer information and amenities offered throughout the city. Better bus stops could benefit riders and non-riders alike by:
- Improving the City´s ambiance by enhancing the streetscape
- Making it easier for more people to ride, thus improving air quality and decreasing congestion.
- Featuring new technology at more stops, including real-time signs that provide next bus arrival information
- Providing important information for bus riders and pedestrians
- Creating a safe, secure and welcoming place to wait for transit
- Reduced energy costs through the utilization of advanced sustainable technologies and simplified construction/maintenance systems
WHAT BUS STOPS AND LOCATIONS WILL BE UPDATED?
There are 360 bus stops within Santa Monica´s city limits, each of which will be updated with new amenities and signage. Each stop has been assigned to one of four categories, based on the volume of passengers who board at the stop:
- 54 high volume with 100 – 999 daily boardings (view photo)
- 42 medium volume stops with 50 – 99 daily boardings (view photo)
- 259 lower volume stops with less than 50 daily boardings (view photo)
- One (1) special high volume stop with 1,000 daily boardings
- Four (4) transit mall stops with existing shelters where the shelter will remain the same but the signage will be updated to match the rest of the City
WHAT WILL BE AT THE BUS STOPS...
All Big Blue Bus stops will be updated, however the higher the rider volume is at a stop, the more amenities it will receive. All stops will have a:
- Big Blue Bus system map
- Localized map showing an area within walking or biking distance
- Timetable and route map of lines stopping at that location
- Listing of all bus lines that use that stop
- ID number that allows rider to access next bus arrival information via phone or online
- No Smoking sign
Medium and high volume locations will receive all of the above as well as:
- Featuring new technology at more stops, including real-time signs that provide next bus arrival information
- Shade structures
- Seating (note: select low volume stops may also receive seating)
- Trash and recycling containers
- Lighting
SIGNAGE
We will be replacing the old maps and timetables with new, simplified, stop-specific signage at each location. These new signs will show the times buses are scheduled to stop at that specific location. The diagrams will also provide estimated travel times to key points along each route. View a sample of this new type of sign
ABOUT THE SHELTER DESIGN
Lorcan O´Herlihy Architects (LOHA) was chosen from among several top architectural firms to work with City staff to design the new stop amenities. LOHA was directed to develop designs that would:
- Enhance the streetscape
- Take into account physical constraints of the streets
- Allow for maximum visibility to businesses and signage located around it
- Feature the use of alternative energy and sustainable materials
- Be as impervious to vandalism as possible
- Offers easily readable and aesthetically pleasing transit information
- Be simple and cost effective to maintain and service
- Adhere to ADA regulations
- Allow for the most current & future transit technologies
LOHA did a comprehensive site survey of all bus stops across the city and conducted focus groups with riders, residents, business groups and city staff to develop a list of key attributes to consider in the design process. Some of these key issues identified included a design that:
- Is unique and representative to the image of Santa Monica
- Offers protection from the elements (especially shade)
- Is safe and offered lighting
- Offers visibility to others and the environment
- Offers seating
- Is easy to use (offered clear transit information)
- Promotes alternate forms of transportation
- Is modular in design for easy replacement and to fit within various site conditions
- Offers trash and recycling cans
The design chosen meets the criteria above. Called ´Big Blue Spots,´ the sustainably forward shelters and information signs have great flexibility, offer maximum visibility and information to transit riders, while providing shade throughout the day.
HOW TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK
The bus stop redevelopment plan process includes several ways for riders and the public to offer comments and suggestions:
- Attend an upcoming BBB Community Meeting.
- Comment via BBB´s online forum.
- Attend a City Council meeting. City Council will be reviewing final designs in March 2010, and the public is invited to go to the Council meeting and make comments.
- Join BBB´s email list to receive updates on this project by sending your email address to Bus-Info@BigBlueBus.com
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