Big Blue Bus is set to begin the next phase of its bus stop redevelopment project that will eventually replace or enhance all 360 bus stops around the city. The agency’s goal is to have the first new stops in place by December 2010.
Los Angeles design firm Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects Santa Monica-inspired conceptual design, called “The Blue Spots,” is clean and unobtrusive, and was designed to enhance the city’s ambiance. The structures will be flexible and able to adapt to various sized locations around the city.
All of the new stops will feature:
*A simplified Big Blue Bus system map
*A localized map showing areas within walking or biking distance
* A listing of all bus lines that use that stop
*A timetable and route map of lines stopping at that location
*Estimated travel times to key points along the route
*An ID number that will allow riders to access next bus arrival information via cell phone
*A shelter canopy
In addition to the above features, locations with medium and high volume rider patterns will also receive:
*Signs that broadcast real time bus arrival information
*Seating (select low volume stops may also receive seating)
*Trash and recycling containers
*Lighting that illuminates the structure and waiting area
Nearly 100 stops fit into the medium and high volume categories, including the stops on Pico Boulevard at Santa Monica College and at Lincoln Boulevard.
The project has been budgeted at $6.9 million, with $3 million coming from Federal Transit Administration funds and nearly $2.5 coming from stimulus funds. The Big Blue Bus will provide the remaining funding.
For more information: www.bigbluebus.com.
