Create a Thriving Business District

METRO BUS SHELTERS

Interesting and unique bus shelters can add to the aesthetics of your district. The Service Development Division of Metro is willing to look at alternative solutions for bus stops. For example, Metro has “loaned” the bus shelter (shown to the right) to the owners of the Wallingford Center, who were responsible for maintaining the shelter. As a result, the Wallingford district had an attractive addition to its street front.

Communities throughout King County have worked with the Metro Bus Shelter Mural Program to beautify their neighborhoods and successfully deter vandalism. Etched art glass is now being used to deter “scratch” graffiti on shelter glass.

Metro is also exploring new ways to shelter passengers. Metro has worked with property owners adjacent to a bus stop to substitute awnings for shelters and the awnings can even feature a logo or store name.

When the community and property owners desire a bus shelter but the number of passenger boardings are less than 50 riders per day (Metro’s minimum ridership for a shelter), Metro suggests the following possibilities:

1. If a shelter is desired near a new construction project but existing ridership at the stop is low, the property owner could be asked to install the proper reinforced concrete footings for a future shelter that will be installed and maintained by Metro once ridership is sufficient.
2. Metro staff is available at no charge to discuss transit-friendly alternatives such as awnings, benches and passenger leaning rails.
3. If business districts, communities or property owners are willing to design, build and maintain a shelter, Metro staff is available at no charge to consult with them regarding design, materials and maintenance issues.

Frequently asked questions:

Is there more than one type of bus shelter?

Yes. Metro has a “menu” with different components and colors to mix and match depending on the specific features of the shelter location, right-of-way requirements and ridership criteria.

Can Metro consider a new design for a bus shelter in our area?

Metro will consider it, but keep in mind that new designs are harder and more expensive to maintain, especially if the design has non-standard parts. There are options such as maintenance agreements that may help you get the design that you want. For example, the Wallingford Center was able to negotiate a maintenance agreement with Metro, as mentioned above, to obtain the shelter it wanted.

What can we do about litter at bus stops and shelters?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) provides and maintains a limited number of litter receptacles at bus stops, most are along busy transit and pedestrian corridors. Note that property owners are responsible for maintaining the area in front of their property up to the curb but businesses and residents may join the City’s Adopt-A-Street program to conduct additional clean-ups. Call 206-684-7647 for more information about Adopt-A-Street.

Bus shelter trash cans are provided and cleaned weekly by Metro. At bus stops which DO NOT have a bus shelter, Metro also has an Adopt-A-Stop Program, which offers several benefits and acknowledgment for your business in exchange for your cleaning efforts. Contact Adopt-A-Stop at 206-263-6503 or visit: http://transit.metrokc.gov/prog/aas/adopt.html.  

Who do I call for a new shelter or for maintenance and repair on existing shelters?

Call Metro’s Customer Assistance, listed below. Customer Assistance will take the information and route it to the appropriate District Planner who is responsible for writing work orders for that area.

What do I do if a shelter attracts loiterers?

Call Metro Customer Assistance, listed below and an operator will report the situation to the appropriate District Planner, who will respond to you and the situation directly. Well-lighted bus stops deter loitering.

Benefits and challenges of new bus stops/shelters:

• Improves the appearance of large structures in your district.
• Provides more comfortable and attractive bus stops for customers, residents and merchants.

CHALLENGES

• Involves time and money if you get involved in a long-term maintenance contract.
• Can be difficult for Metro to accommodate your request, although Metro will be as flexible as possible.
• Can require the cooperation of property owners at specific locations.