Metro Jacksonville

Downtown Bus Shelter Designs Revealed

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Today, Downtown Development Review Board will approve the proposed bus shelter design for downtown's streets. Metro Jacksonville shares the three design options up for consideration.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-may-downtown-bus-shelter-designs-revealed

Out of these options, I would go with Option 1.  The tempered glass brings a touch of modernism into the feel of the shelters.  The tempered glass also helps improves the integration of the shelters into their surrounding context and gives off the impression of being more safe because of improved visibility.

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Since the shelters will be solar powered, I wonder if the wall map case will be illuminated?

^ I completely agree.  Option 1 is the way to go.

What is the solar panel powering?  A lot of locations will be blocked by the shade of buildings for a bulk of the day, right?  I'm glad to see it on there, but what is the function?

many bus shelters have lighted signs (maybe the ads) and even lighting inside the shelter....that's what the solar panel will power.

btw...I am a bit concerned about the bike rack...if constructed as shown, the trash can is too close making it difficult to park 2+ bikes

I agree with brainstormer.  Option 1 is the way to go.

^ Ditto.  #1

tufsu1 - It looks like the trashcan can be relocated as it's not part of the structure..

Outstanding!  Long overdue but definitely welcomed.

Let's get it done already!

Is the gigantic handicap decal really necessary?

A good start.  Option #1 looks the best.  I am glad to see the solar panel and bike rack.  The copper and black mixed together may look tacky.  I am surprised not just all black or all silver color.  I am hoping bus shelters will go in other locations other than downtown?

Option 1 easily.  From an aesthetic angle it lets it fit in with the surroundings by offering minimal line of sight interference.

And for that same purpose it has a greater safety measure than a solid colored paneling does as it allows patrons a better opportunity to see an attacker coming from behind and makes it harder to attack someone discretely if 3 full sides are viewable.

The solar panels would power interior lighting or perhaps even the shelter location identifier panel.

I like option #1 the best, but what about cleaning? Will it show finger & hand prints? Just curious...

I agree, what's with the GIGANTIC handicap signs?  I find it kind of insulting to the people who would be using that space.  They're handicapped, not clueless.

I don't think the handicap signs are going to be installed, rather it is just a diagram showing the allotted space for the handicap as per ADA.

its probably some federal ADA requirement.

I don't think the handicap sign is so much for their benefit as it is to ward off non-handicap from occupying that space.

Professor, I believe they are part of the design otherwise why have such detailed dimensions for it?

could the solar power be used for an overhead fan?  that seems so sensible in this climate.

Quote from: dv8 on May 27, 2010, 09:49:34 AM
could the solar power be used for an overhead fan?  that seems so sensible in this climate.

That's what i was wondering, will there be a ventilation/ cooling system?  And Jim, that makes sense about the handicap sign.  I can imagine urban outdoorsmen using that space for shopping cart storage. 

Option 1 is totally the best.

And for the solar powered fans and etc. I dont believe that the solar panel will be powerful enough to provide all the lighting and power an fan. Lighting isn't all that power consuming, but a fan can suck juice. Also the buildings DT could block the sun for several hours, therefore further decreasing the amount of power stored.

Handicap spots are a requirement I believe.

Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 27, 2010, 09:53:59 AM

Quote from: dv8 on May 27, 2010, 09:49:34 AM
could the solar power be used for an overhead fan?  that seems so sensible in this climate.

That's what i was wondering, will there be a ventilation/ cooling system?  And Jim, that makes sense about the handicap sign.  I can imagine urban outdoorsmen using that space for shopping cart storage. 

Urban outdoosmen. That is hilarous!!  ;D

Yeah, option 1 is generally the best.

Is this an "all or nothing" selection? Because the glass is best for shelters adjacent to buildings. However, out in the suburbs with those GIANT right-of-ways, shelters on the south side of the street would benefit from a solid screen to block out the brutal Florida sun. Otherwise, in the morning and afternoon, the sun will be hanging low to the south and radiating heat sideways into the shelters.

Obviously, this isn't a problem in downtown or most older neighborhoods; however, on streets like Atlantic and Beach it could be a problem.

I believe this is just for downtown.

Yeah, the DDRB is obviously only approving shelters based on the downtown overlay. However, since the design allows for advertisements, I was assuming that it will become the template for the eventual city-wide privatized shelters.

The glass panels of option 1 should also make the advertising on the inside more visible and therefore more valuable to the advertiser.  Hopefully that would allow this program to expand to even more shelters in the future.

You know how southreners like to label people who are different. That's what the handicapt sticker is really for.

I just saw shelters similar to this in NY and the ad facings on each side featured a scroll that rotated the ads every few seconds.  As such, this would require the solar power as well.

Did you notice the Haskell Company was the "ad" in the Option 3 drawing?  Tell me politics isn't the reason this program got pushed through.

As to three options, they are all really just variations of one option.  I expected to see three completely different designs.

Still waiting for JTA to tell us the economics/business model for this program.  Why are they holding back?

I like Option 1, but if there were someone in a wheelchair in the handicap spot it would be awfully awkward to lean over them to look at the route map. Unless of course you can see the map from both inside and outside the shelter. It doesn't really say whether you can. It's nice that it is fairly open too which would allow a breeze through on hot summer days, but it's closed off enough to keep most of the rain out during those afternoon showers.

Quote from: stjr on May 27, 2010, 06:15:38 PM
Still waiting for JTA to tell us the economics/business model for this program.  Why are they holding back?[/b]

because JTA doesn't need to have a business model for this program....the private shelter company will construct, install, and maintain the shelters...and sell advertising to cover their costs

Quote from: tufsu1 on May 27, 2010, 07:58:39 PM

Quote from: stjr on May 27, 2010, 06:15:38 PM
Still waiting for JTA to tell us the economics/business model for this program.  Why are they holding back?[/b]

because JTA doesn't need to have a business model for this program....the private shelter company will construct, install, and maintain the shelters...and sell advertising to cover their costs

If the private company provides the shelters, why don't they bid the contract and have the private company participate in the shelter selection?  The shelter type might be of interest to the private company that is to buy, install, maintain, and run ads on them, ya' think?  Also, the locations.  Do they have any bidders qualified yet?  Does the private company take the shelters away when their contract is up?  How long is the contract for?  How many shelters?  Where?  What constitutes maintenance?  Just the shelter or also emptying trash cans and cleaning the graffiti and crud off the structure?  What if JTA changes a route and the shelter needs to be moved?  Who pays for that?  What is the RFP looking like?  By the way, this contract will be public information so we will see the details eventually.

JTA better care about the business model because it will determine IF there are ANY bidders, and, if so, the number, location, and quality of shelters to be built. And, don't think the taxpayers are ever completely off the hook.  This is a typical government agency that is in over its head when it comes to being business-like.  I fully expect them to get out-hustled.  Just the way they are doing this, not to mention all the other things they do, makes that clear.

Still wondering why Haskell is featured in the prototype drawing.  I can't imagine that's an accident.  Ya' think Preston wants to sell or install for JTA the shelters?  Does he have influence over this program?  Someone is trying to curry favor somehow. 

As usual you make excellent comments Ock.  The problem is that Jacksonville can't even find a box to get in before it can step out.
A few thoughts.  I believe the three options are just for downtown bus stations.  I think the idea of ambient lighting would be pretty cool and would make bus stops easy to spot at night.  Maybe just start by lighting up bus shelters on Bay street and see how it adds to the atmosphere.  I also love the recycling bins and covered bike spaces in your examples.  Of course, here in Jacksonville we don't promote recycling or biking for that matter, so I'm sure those wouldn't ever be approved. :(
When JTA begins to expand bus shelters to areas outside the urban core, something like the extended roof would be perfect for Blanding and Atlantic where bus wait times are longer.  The extended roof also looks like it would allow more people to fit under the covered area.
I don't think we have to stick with one consistent model.  Bus shelters should be chosen to fit the area.  One size should not fit all in this case.

Quote from: stjr on May 27, 2010, 11:03:38 PM
If the private company provides the shelters, why don't they bid the contract and have the private company participate in the shelter selection?  The shelter type might be of interest to the private company that is to buy, install, maintain, and run ads on them, ya' think?  Also, the locations.  Do they have any bidders qualified yet?

guess you didn't notice that the shelter designs come from a specific company?

you may want to look at www.tolarmfg.com

as for the your assumptions about Haskell, I highly doubt it....best guess is they used ads they already had on hand (like those that are on buses).

All three options are variations of the same basic design..........suprised that no body picked up on the lack of seating? One bench to fit 3 people on seems somewhat lacking! I know that the urban outdoor persons are being discouraged with the design but really! Individual seats with arm rails might be a better design but what do I know! For this we need "Advertisements" and the like?

Quote from: CS Foltz on May 30, 2010, 07:30:14 AM
All three options are variations of the same basic design..........suprised that no body picked up on the lack of seating? One bench to fit 3 people on seems somewhat lacking! I know that the urban outdoor persons are being discouraged with the design but really! Individual seats with arm rails might be a better design but what do I know! For this we need "Advertisements" and the like?

3 seat shelters are pretty much the norm around the country CS (do some google searching)....when you have a more crowded stop, you install an extended shelter or 2 helters next to each other.

sorry tufsu1............did not think I needed to google search something that should be standard. Seating should be something to consider for any shelter, I am refering to shelters that should have more than one person waiting for the next bus.............think that JTA has those figures or should I make an educated guess based on what I have seen in my world? No more than 2 to 4 at anyone time and have yet to see any bus with more than 10 to 12 persons onboard! Advertisments should have no bearing on the number of shelters plain and simple!

well if there is never more than 2 to 4 at any one time, then 3 seat shelters should suffice, right?

Quote from: tufsu1 on May 28, 2010, 08:09:13 AM

Quote from: stjr on May 27, 2010, 11:03:38 PM
If the private company provides the shelters, why don't they bid the contract and have the private company participate in the shelter selection?  The shelter type might be of interest to the private company that is to buy, install, maintain, and run ads on them, ya' think?  Also, the locations.  Do they have any bidders qualified yet?

guess you didn't notice that the shelter designs come from a specific company?

So what?  Maybe the ad company doesn't approve of the economics of having that model or has a better suggestion, having worked in other cities.  What's coming from a specific company have to do with anything?  My point was JTA is making the decision for the ad company to-be and that may predispose the outcome of the project.  Put another way, JTA is looking for a partner, but only one that they make all the decisions for.  Not much of a partnership.

Quoteas for the your assumptions about Haskell, I highly doubt it....best guess is they used ads they already had on hand (like those that are on buses).

I guess you don't know how politically connected Mr. Haskell is.  And, since when did a company like Haskell (a design/build contractor) ever advertise on a bus, especially in this town.  This seems like a silly cover, Tufsu.  Try another one from the make-excuses-for-JTA playbook  ;)

Gentlemen......something about this just smells to high heaven! JTA could not plan their way out of a trash barrel and these clowns are the keeper of the transportation flame? Advertising, all those big dollars that come with it too, is not the panacea that they make it out to be! Just one more example of the GOB Network hard at work lining their pockets at the publics expense! I wonder who has been tapped to win this and what they had to do to win it?

guys...here's how it likely works...JTA worked with the shelter company to design a shelter to their liking...and once the final design is chosen, Tolar (or their partner) will install and maiontain them.

Looks like Option 3.

QuoteBus shelter design approved by DDRB
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531125
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s program to install more bus shelters for mass transit users took another step Thursday when the Downtown Development Review Board of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission approved a design for the new street furniture.
City Council enacted Ordinance 2009-401 approving the shelters with the condition that JTA submit three designs to DDRB, which would evaluate each and select one for implementation. JEDC staff worked with JTA on the development of three designs based on requirements for historic design, color scheme and transparency.
The board discussed whether the shelters should be constructed of clear material or a perforated metal for maximum transparency.
Board member Chris Flagg said being able to see what’s behind the shelters is an issue in terms of comfort level when it comes to safety. He also said the existing shelters aren’t transparent enough to prevent people from concealing themselves behind the shelters.
“Transparent shelters can be hot and the maintenance cost is higher,” said JTA Director of External Affairs Mike Miller.
JEDC Deputy Executive Director Paul Crawford said he had recently been in Boston and observed clear bus shelters. He said vandals had used marking pens to put graffiti on the shelters and the process of removing it scratched the material, rendering it nontransparent.
After some discussion, the board selected a design that Miller said was the JTA’s first choice. In a rare non-unanimous decision, DDRB members Chris Flagg, Andy Sikes, Montasser Selim and Jim Bailey were in favor of the design while Logan Rink cast the dissenting vote.
DDRB also approved the final design for restoring brick, replacing windows and light fixtures and constructing a fenced and gated courtyard at the Law Office of Farah & Farah at Ocean and Adams streets.
The courtyard will be on the south side of the building on the site where the Lerner Building was demolished. Its use will be generally restricted to those who work in the Farah & Farah Building, but the space will be made available to the public for special events, including Art Walk and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, said Tom Hurst, principal of Dasher Hurst Architects.
“It’s a small space, but I think it’s going to be a nice space,” he added.
The next meeting of the DDRB is 2 p.m. June 24 on the second floor of the Police and Fire Pension Fund Building at 1 W. Adams St.
mmarbut@baileypub.com 356-2466

Option 3
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So much for the opinions of MJ posters who seemed to strongly favor Option #1.  ;)

I'm not really a fan of Option 3, but whatever. Get them up already!

Option 1 would have been nicer, but upkeep could have been a problem...I've seen many shelters (in other cities) where the plexi-glass is scratched or discolored.....that said, I preferred Option 2 over Option 3...oh well!

Upkeep will be an issue with all options.  Nothing they put up will stand the test of time and vandalism.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 01, 2010, 02:17:17 PM
Upkeep will be an issue with all options.  Nothing they put up will stand the test of time and vandalism.

Will be interesting to see what the standards of upkeep will be by the outside company.  Or, does JTA retain that responsibility?

I think we should be happy if they install 100 of these once a year as they said in the newspaper article.  In time they can get more creative.

Quote from: thelakelander on June 01, 2010, 02:17:17 PM
Upkeep will be an issue with all options.  Nothing they put up will stand the test of time and vandalism.

Seriously - what a retarded argument. I guess no one could tag option 3 with grafitti.

Well they do make paints that are relatively grafiti proof! But that would obscure the Advertising!

Y'all know the whole process was antiquated before any decision was made. Bidding and Ordering by specifications is an exercise for fatal flaws. 

To get this whole process up to date in the Transit world, JTA should be telling them ONLY the results they expect + any unique local rules and ordinances. This allows each bidder to be feature creative and design a structure with maximum benefits according to each manufacturers talents and experiences.

For example the old system would be:
Bus Shelter RFP - JTA
10' long x 5' deep x 9' tall
Safety glass windows on side walls from the ground to roof line.
Poster/Advertising window 24"x 48", lockable space with .... etc...

The new system should be:

Bus Shelters for Jacksonville Florida's dynamic central business district, shelters designed to hold advertising.  We also desire solar lighting, bikes, ventilation, rust resistance, ability to comfortably seat... etc...

Bet the results would range from eye opening to amazing.


OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: TheProfessor on June 01, 2010, 04:25:20 PM
I think we should be happy if they install 100 of these once a year as they said in the newspaper article.  In time they can get more creative.

That sounds pretty good.

Someone may have already addressed this (I won't read through all of the previous posts), but I hope they build these Bus Stops much bigger than the norm; small shelters which only seat one or two people, and don't shelter people from the weather (rain, snow, hail, heat (sun), etc.) are useless and a waste of taxpayer money in my opinion.

I have ridden the bus in the past (and still do once every blue moon), and it angers me when it is raining cats and dogs and you stand under the shelter and get just as wet as if there were no shelter!

"HU"

Quote from: Ocklawaha on June 01, 2010, 09:13:13 PM
Y'all know the whole process was antiquated before any decision was made. Bidding and Ordering by specifications is an exercise for fatal flaws.  

To get this whole process up to date in the Transit world, JTA should be telling them ONLY the results they expect + any unique local rules and ordinances. This allows each bidder to be feature creative and design a structure with maximum benefits according to each manufacturers talents and experiences.

Ock, we don't agree on the need for bus shelter ads, but I do agree, if they are going forward with it, they should do it as you suggest.  That was my point several posts ago, as well, but Tufsu didn't seem to appreciate the point.  JTA's approach is dictating what the business model must be for the advertiser, not the other way around. Clearly, JTA has no real business-like capabilities based on their track record.  I won't be surprised if this foray into bus shelter has more bumps in the road than JTA is letting on to.  Still waiting to see the economic model for this and how every location desired for a bus shelter will support it.  Supporters who are already disappointed by the implementation should expect more of the same.  Another reason we should not be doing this in this manner.

perhaps JTA worked with the advertising vendor on the shelter design

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 02, 2010, 01:10:57 PM
perhaps JTA worked with the advertising vendor on the shelter design

If it's an open bid process, how could JTA already know the "winner"?  Another rigged, inside job.  Follow the money?

Well stjr..............usun's are on the outside looking in and we are not "keeper of the transportation flame"! I still have not figured out just why Advertising is a requirement to get shelters up! If the income from advertising at this point in time is not but 2% or less......where is the additional money going to come from? No company is going to shell out cold hard cash for shelters without the chance to get their money back plus! Additional advertising can not bring in that much to fully fund shelters and the cost of maintaining them......unless the money is coming from other sources such as taxpayer money under the table or off of the books! JTA is infamous about keeping information and actual numbers in house and appears to fight tooth and nail just from a simple records request!

CS +1.

Tufsu has the special ability to know when to believe JTA and when not to.  I sure don't.  When I do "trust" them, Tufsu says not to.  When I don't, he says I should.  You got me how he knows, but he just does.  ;)

Since JTA has been caught with their pants down withholding, distorting and misrepresenting numbers on this bus shelter ad program and working with "expert" people having conflicts of interest, I know I don't trust them on this one.

Like you said, "show me the money!".  Still waiting.

I agree..........show me the money! I don't trust them either!

Quote from: stjr on June 02, 2010, 04:39:44 PM
Tufsu has the special ability to know when to believe JTA and when not to.  I sure don't.  When I do "trust" them, Tufsu says not to.  When I don't, he says I should.  You got me how he knows, but he just does.  ;)

perhaps because I'm actually trained in and work in the field ;)

I can't believe how much space under the roof is taken up for potential wheelchair use.  Couldn't there be a lightweight, hinged, flip-up bench so that the space is available for people to sit, and then if someone comes in a wheelchair, they could flip up the bench?   As it is designed, I can only see one or maybe two unrelated people sitting under the shelter at any one time.

Speaking of which, can the regular buses even accommodate people in wheelchairs?  I thought that JTA had separate vehicles to provide transport to people in wheelchairs door-to-door, in which case, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to have every bus shelter providing space for a wheelchair.

most JTA buses have wheelchair-equipped rear doors...as for the shelter, the bench accomodates 3 people sitting...and when there isn't a hadicapped person, the wheelchair space provides more standing room.

The busses have to be able to accomodate wheelchairs.

Quote from: toi on June 06, 2010, 08:12:24 PM
As it is designed, I can only see one or maybe two unrelated people sitting under the shelter at any one time.

I am sure JTA can fix this by.... selling more ads!  Just ask them.  ;D

Is this after they contact the opposition or before stjr? ;)

yawn

Quote• Joanna Diz, project manager for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s bus shelter project, reported that the first shipment of the new bus shelters is scheduled to arrive in July. The bus shelters will be installed at seven Downtown locations, replacing existing shelters. The old shelters will be relocated to other bus stops in the suburbs, she said.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531335

^New bus shelters with no ads?  Amazing!

Quote from: stjr on June 30, 2010, 12:45:34 AM
^New bus shelters with no ads?  Amazing!

don't worry...they are designed to accomodate ads at a later date  ;)

hoping they go with option 1....everything needed to bring Jacksonville out of the 90's

I believe they decided on Option 3

Below is a response from Mike Miller concerning the new bus shelters.  Apparently the first ONE is going in this week.  At least some progress :)

Wendy Morrow forwarded your email to me for response. There were actually two RFP’s sent out relating to JTA’s shelter program. The single bidder you referenced was in response to our shelter advertising program. In that RFP we were soliciting responses from companies interested in a program that would cover the capital and maintenance costs of a minimum of 50 shelters per year over an extended period of time. The winning company would build and maintain the shelters and be authorized to sell ads on the shelters, using a substantial percentage of the advertising proceeds to offset their costs. We were informed by the companies we sent RFP’s to that the economy was preventing them from participating at this time.

The second RFP was directed to companies who manufacture shelters. JTA is seeking a particular “look” for historic shelters for downtown, a separate style for shelters in high frequency corridors and a third design for our BRT shelters. We received four responses and short listed three of the four. We are currently working with all three of the short listed companies. We have ordered seven of approximately 24 historic shelters for the downtown from one of the three companies. In fact, we are scheduled to install the first of seven shelters we’ve received by the end of the week. 

JTA is committed to adding new shelters to our system. We are also committed to installing upgraded shelters with state-of-the-art passenger amenities to make the transit experience as convenient and pleasant as we can make it. At this point, JTA is using available funding to order and install the new upgraded shelters. We continue to plan on addressing the advertising program to offset the expensive maintenance costs of the shelters.

Thank you for both your interest and support of our program. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.   

Mike Miller
Director, External Affairs
JTA
904.630.3109
mmiller@jtafla.com

I just don't understand why it has taken soooooooo long to do this? I don't get why "Historic Shelters" need to be downtown and it is nice that the existing shelters will be moved to where needed? Only leaves maybe 2k plus that have no shelter at all! Better something than nothing! I wonder just where this new one will be going in at?

I really think they need to send out more requests for proposals.  I see new bus shelters going up in other cites with advertising despite the economy.  I don't know why downtown needs historic bus shelters either.  I am guessing these will not have advertising on them.

Quote from: TheProfessor on July 26, 2010, 05:23:47 PM
I see new bus shelters going up in other cites with advertising despite the economy.

Professor, the ad revenue depends on the traffic that could reasonably view the shelters. With our low mass transit usage and pedestrian counts, I figure we don't have what it takes to generate sufficient ad revenue.  Cars driving by at 40+ mph aren't going to excite advertisers.  They should just as well buy the sign on the side of a bus or a billboard or on a taxi top.  Don't forget, many bus stops are on less traveled streets or in less than fully conspicuous locations.  These stops may generate little or no revenue at all and have to be averaged with the more visible stops.

This is a "free market" project, and I have always suspected that it would have economic issues generating the significant $$$ JTA was banking on cover both "capital and maintenance" expenditures.  There is lots of competition for ad dollars and, likely, more cost effective options in most cases for advertisers than what JTA requires to make its program work.

The  proof is in the pudding.  No qualified bidders.

Mike Blaylock, Director of JTA, has told me on several occasions that he is determined to break the "institutional image" of JTA buses and facilities.

Sorry Mike, but these shelters are more of the same old shit...

Historic Shelters Mr. Miller? FINALLY a good idea from JTA! A chance for Blaylock, Miller and Company to reduce the institutional look and actually blend the Authority with the community.

Behold the concept:

@ TheProfessor, "I really think they need to send out more requests for proposals."

I hate to say it, but the mroe RFPs you send the more BS you have to sort through.  I have to agree with JTA for (this is the biggie) doing thier homework and letting the best 3/4 companies bid on the job. 

Have you noticed the lightposts around J'ville, the really nice, black ones that were going up.  Now, not even 2 years later, the paint is flaking off in huge chunks and no one can be found to do the repair work -why?  The company that was awarded the contract, the low-bidder, is no longer in business.

The historic looking light poles Downtown are being repainted. Many of them look as good as new now!

Quote from: fsujax on July 27, 2010, 09:46:30 AM
The historic looking light poles Downtown are being repainted.

I have noticed.  I guess the one's that I was referring to are mostly 'around' town - baymeadows, atlantic blvd, northside - it's the large ones for covering 4-6 lanes of traffic.

Those are also getting a facelift. I actually saw a story on Firstcoast news about it. I believe they are starting with San Jose first, and then move around the city.

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Transit/Bus-Shelter-Advertising/JTA-Bus-Shelter-Advisory1/949429439_vexsK-X2.jpg)

Where is advertising prohibited in the city?  Historic districts?

A new shelter went up on the corner of Bay and Main. I took this picture Aug 6, it wasn't there last week.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4865823851_01a19ea4d0_z.jpg)

The greatest bus sheter I have ever been to is the Unst Bus Shelter.

It even has its own website.

http://www.unstbusshelter.shetland.co.uk/ (http://www.unstbusshelter.shetland.co.uk/)

I finally got a chance to pass by the new bus shelter and I like it. It looks 150% time better than what was there. I am glad that we are making strides for our downtown to look like an actually "city". Once the trio project breaks ground, it is on and poppin'.

I actually like the bus shelter, I just have a problem with the roof not covering the loading zone. you would think protecting the passengers from a vicious lightning attack would count for something.  Really I have lived in Florida, and volunteered for Vietnam and have seen electrical storms here far in excess of any NVA mortar attack and just as deadly.  Okay JTA, maybe decent roofs are not a consideration for every stop due to economics, but one would think at least those busy mega-stops such as Regency, or the Courthouse, would warrant a protected boarding platform.

Gripe number 2, is the lack of WI-FI in a system that is trying to attract choice (read that - "The business community") riders.  Several world class systems have it already and all that is required besides the unit itself is solar electric... and... uh... HEY! WE ALREADY HAVE THE ELECTRICAL! So somebody down at Myrtle avenue get with the program, after all, these are the same stops one would want to install "Real Time Arrival/Departure Information" signs in.

With this added, think of what you would offer for the CHOICE RIDER:

Comfortable all weather sheltered seat
Bicycle security
Lights at night
System Map
Posted Schedule?
WI-FI
Real Time Information Signage
Covered boarding platform

Damn JTA, talk about a great leap forward!! WOW!

(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/CRITICAL%20Special%20Effects%20Images/lightningandTRACTION-1-1.jpg)

Of course I'd rather ride this...

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TFyyzCsw93I/AAAAAAAAC4k/vEMGs3SJWno/s144/RDC%201%20Tiny%20GIF.jpg)(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TFyviJVLZmI/AAAAAAAAC4U/rpaIlV-wZxc/s144/RDC%202%20Tiny%20GIF.jpg)



OCKLAWAHA

(http://www.texaslegacy.org/m/images/cartoons/sargentcars101900.gif)

OCKLAWAHA

Don't worry Ock...hopefully those will be here soon too!

Quote from: Ocklawaha on July 26, 2010, 09:10:20 PM
Mike Blaylock, Director of JTA, has told me on several occasions that he is determined to break the "institutional image" of JTA buses and facilities.

Sorry Mike, but these shelters are more of the same old shit...

Historic Shelters Mr. Miller? FINALLY a good idea from JTA! A chance for Blaylock, Miller and Company to reduce the institutional look and actually blend the Authority with the community.

Behold the concept:

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TE4tjJVx84I/AAAAAAAAC1o/_2D_FuGtjN0/s400/bus%20shelter%201.jpg)
The Jacksonville Landing...

(http://www.urbandesignwest.com/images/bus_shelter_cr_vgd4.jpg)
The San Marco Square...

(http://www.napavalley.edu/AboutNVC/MeasureN/PublishingImages/graphic_of_bus_shelter_figure_4_and_5.jpg)
The Saint Augustine...

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TE4tjV-efXI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/31v10z0UPJw/s800/bus%20shelter%203.jpg)
The Ortega...

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeY4KihVdsQ/SxqEjJqKaII/AAAAAAAABRg/fiZNoPysVQw/s400/bus+shelter.JPG)
The Fort Caroline...

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qWhXMZTPt-M/SgRc8Dya6AI/AAAAAAAAEoA/IoRnfgqUMBk/s320/P3020047.JPG)
The San Jose...

(http://images.francisfrith.com/c10/450/15/H167002.jpg)
The Grand Crossing...

(http://www.publicartsa.com/flip/images/stories/projectgallery/cortes_carlos/cortes4.jpg)
The Epping Forest...

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TE4u0V4tW_I/AAAAAAAAC14/VKWXMX--L7E/s400/bus%20shelter%204.jpg)
The Mandarin...

(http://www.polarinertia.com/jan07/images/busstops/07bus15.jpg)
The WTF?

(http://www.janesevier.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/union-station-la-waiting-ro.jpg)
The UNION STATION down at the railroad, just to keep things in prospective!

OCKLAWAHA

The last photograph could easily look like a refurbished and enhanced Annie Lytle Auditorium...


If only.............