Every once in a while I’ll highlight items that I’ve put on my, “things Greensboro should strive to do list.” The item I’d like to highlight today has to do with the 1,056 bus stops in Greensboro, some of which are sheltered and others are not.
While speaking with a group of residents a while back a lady said, “why did they take down the shelter at the bus stop? [Insert neighbor’s name] sits up there with her baby in the hot sun waiting on the bus to come almost every day.” I immediately thought to myself, “Why can’t we strive to have a shelter over all bus stops in Greensboro?”
It’s something that I’d really like to see happen because it will be a step towards further enhancing the overall GTA user experience (not that it is a bad experience right now).
I’ve reached out to the City to try and find out if they keep track of the number of stops that are and are not sheltered, but I haven’t heard back from anyone at this point. Obviously the shelters will cost money, how much I don’t know at this time, but it’s a reasonable goal and something I’d like to see happen.
To anyone that might be thinking, “That would be a waste,” I urge you to go hang out at an unsheltered bus stop for 10 minutes the next time it is 95 degrees outside. Then repeat the exercise the next time it is poring down rain.
Additional thoughts on GTA: If you’d like to read about the trip planner technology that I think would help increase GTA’s ridership click here.
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It might be difficult to put a shelter at every bus stop. But every one should have a solid place for one’s feet when they get off the bus and a bench on which to wait for a ride.
At some stops riders are forced to step off the bus onto muddy spots or wet grass and then either cross a wide street at mid-block or walk down a busy street or through tall weeds to cross at a congested intersection.
These problems should be addressed first. Safety at stops and the location of convenient stops and dry places to step on when alighting are important to riders.
These were items on my agenda when I ran for Greensboro City Council. I have mentioned them to GTA and City Council Members, GDOT and others for many years.
I have lived in Greensboro since 1971. We have not had adequate bus service in all the time I have lived here. Interest in improving transportation options has been on-and-off with Greensboro Government. I am glad that you will be joining me in working on these problems.
Diane, while your points are valid, I’m certainly going to keep the shelter idea on my list. One major aspect to the brainstorming process is to not limit yourself – come up with the ideas and then figure out what is obtainable. I’m thinking if we had the shelters that might alleviate some of the “wet” issues you referenced.
Differing ideas, but there is one common goal – to better the GTA user experience. Are you signed up to “Join the Campaign” yet? If not, I hope you’ll click the link on the home page.
Ryan
Ryan,
You sound like a very thoughtful young man. Good luck in your campaign to improve Greensboro government.
Thanks Diane. Have a great day.
Ryan
Ryan:
http://www.news14.com/content/top_stories/602299/uncg-students-build-better-bus-shelter/Default.aspx
That story from December of last year said at the time there were only 64 bus stops. I know GTA is currently in the process of installing more shelters right now, but I doubt it will make a dent in the number of bus stops there are.
I have emailed several people with GTA and a couple of council members to tell them about companies like Clear Channel Adshel that actually cover the construction and maintenance costs of bus shelters in return for the ability to advertise on them. I never received a response. But if the city could enter a similar deal, they would theoretically be able to add dozens more bus shelters and save money by not having to pay for the construction and ongoing maintenance costs.
Perhaps companies like that only provide the service in much larger cities, but it would at least be worth looking into.
Here’s the link: http://www.adshel.com/content.aspx?ID=4&ParentID=0&MicrositeID=0&Page=1
Funny you should mention Adshel. I’ve already started the inquiry process to learn more.
Ryan
Ryan,
Shelters could be paid for by advertising, no doubt. Extra buses and employees could be paid for by advertising on buses. As you know, my company brokers out of home advertising for clients across the state. One of our biggest challenges in promoting transit advertising is the difficulty of working with particular municipalities. I am excited about the idea of someone with a marketing and advertising background going to work on this in the City of Greensboro. I’ve attended numerous GTA meetings and would be happy to share my observations and notes with you.
Allison
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