You’ve already seen what the new Big Blue Bus stop signage will look like. Now, check out the conceptual designs for the new bus shelters for the Santa Monica bus system’s 360 bus stops.
Above’s what the 54 high volume stops will likely look like; below are the designs for the medium and lower volume stops. No, I don’t know why the bus riders all look like antisocial white boys in these conceptual drawings, but one dude appears to be toting a reusable grocery bag!
All the bus stops will have a a Big Blue Bus system map, a localized map or the area, a time table and route map of lines stopping at the station, as well as an ID number so riders can get info about the next bus’ arrival on their cell phones. Medium and high volume stops will have real-time signs that provide next bus arrival information, shade structures, lighting, seating, plus trash and recycling containers. Clean air advocates will be happy to know that every bus stop will also have a no smoking sign.
When will we start seeing these new shelters around? Santa Monica City Council will review the final designs in March 2010; Big Blue Bus aims to have the first new stops in place by December 2010. Don’t forget to attend this round of Big Blue Bus community meetings to find out more about and give your comments on the conceptual shelter designs.
I know LA doesn’t get tons of rain, but might that be an issue? As a Seattle gal, I loved the enclosed bus shelters. And I imagine you don’t get too many cold winds, which is also a nice reason for enclosed shelters.
In any case, those look pretty and really inviting! Plus, you wouldn’t feel all closed in to stand at the shelter with random people. Aesthetically, it’s a win.
Comment by Leah — January 22, 2010 @ 7:05 am
The bus stops are really nice looking. But like Leah mentions, how functional are these for anything but sunny weather?
Comment by Brandon Lee — January 26, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
Brandon — your Q — “how functional are these for anything but sunny weather” — actually makes me smile a bit because we rarely have anything but sunny weather, though obviously last week and earlier this week were an anomaly :) We’re lucky here!
Both of you bring up an interesting issue though, between how much to equip the shelters for bad weather vs. how much to allow bus riders to enjoy the usual good weather. Meaning that on most days — like the gorgeous day we’re having in SaMo today — I would really prefer to have a v. open, somewhat minimalist shelter like the ones above. Of course on the rare rainy days I’d feel differently — so the question is how to balance those two desires considering the % of sunny days vs. rainy ones….
Comment by Siel — January 28, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
I would vote automatic solar weather sensing extensions on top.
Comment by Brandon Lee — January 28, 2010 @ 4:35 pm
I hope that solar is being thought about in the design. Imagine if those shades were simply solar panels. The sun they are shading could be turned into the electricity needed to power the scheduling, light the lights, or to offer free wi-fi.
Comment by Robert Stockham — January 29, 2010 @ 10:53 am