Bus Shelter Upgrades in DC

DC Examiner
January 9, 2006
Mike Rupert
Meetings planned on D.C. bus shelter upgrades

"The D.C. Department of Transportation will begin holding public meetings this week on its plans to upgrade all existing bus shelters in the city and declare two major roads as federal scenic byways.
Mayor Anthony Williams signed an agreement in September to replace all bus shelters and add maps and computerized real-time arrival information.
For information visit www.ddot.dc.gov. - Mike Rupert"

I've seen upgraded shelters with maps on Capitol Hill, paid for by advertising sponsors of the shelter. I've also seen shelters with computerized real-time arrival information at White Flint Metro Station. If DDOT is planning to combine these two enhancements into all the bus shelters in the District, then this will be a great improvement for Bus riders. I hope that WMATA, or we on the RAC can encourage other jurisdictions to follow through on this much needed "communication tool."

Additionally, the shelters should include emergency call buttons and cameras to help with security. I'm sure the slightly added cost would be a "great" improvement. In my Security BLOG, I recommended the addition of a "safe haven" waiting area on Metro Stations with computerized real-time arrival information. Maybe, WMATA or DDOT can work on this security addition, or at least make sure the technology is scaleable.


All bus shelter community meetings are from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Representatives from DDOT and the bus shelter contractor, ClearChannel Adshel will describe the new program and respond toquestions:

January 18, Ward 1, Greater Washington Urban League, Community Room, 290114th St., NW.

January 19, Ward 2, Sumner School Lecture Hall, First Floor, 1201 17th St.,NW (at M St.),.

January 11, Ward 3, St. Columba's Church, Great Hall, 4201 Albemarle St., NW

January 12, Ward 4, Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, Lemuel Haynes Chapel, 4704 13th St., NW.

January 25, Ward 5, Woodbridge Library, Meeting Room #1, 1801 Hamlin St., NE(at Rhode Island Ave.)


Scenic Byways

At the following open houses, DDOT will provide overviews of the ScenicByway program and the draft recommendations from the first phase of DDOTByway study. The public will be invited to comment on the draftrecommendations and update information for the final document.

January 17, 6-8 pm 2701 Pennsylvania Avenue (Police Substation)

January 18, 2-4 pm 1101 24th Street, NW (West End Public Library)

January 24, 6-8 pm 4901 V Street, NW (Palisades Library)

January 25, 6-8 pm 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (Old Navy Hospital)