The city of Tempe is installing four new, state-of-the-art transit shelters this week, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to improving public transportation. 

The new shelters are being installed this week at the following bus stops: 

• Westbound Broadway Road and Jen Tilly Lane 
• Westbound Broadway Road and Dorsey Lane 
• Southbound McClintock Drive and 8th Street 
• Northbound McClintock Drive and Don Carlos Avenue

These shelters are the culmination of a collaborative effort that began in 2018, a city release explained. 

A steering committee comprised of transit riders, bus drivers, community members, and Arizona State University transit representatives worked together to design shelters that not only enhance the rider experience but also reflect Tempe's identity. 

Tempe City Council supported the proposed design in August 2020. 

Tempe is dedicated to providing a comfortable, convenient and sustainable public transportation system with shade at every bus stop, the release stated. These innovative shelters, designed with extensive community input, embody that commitment. 

(Courtesy City of Tempe)

The new shelter designs include four different models, accommodating the smallest stop to the largest sites with high ridership. They boast several key features designed to benefit both riders and the environment: 

• Increased ridership: The shelters' modern design aims to encourage ridership by offering a more pleasant waiting experience. 
• Sustainable features: Solar power, local materials and a modular design with interchangeable parts prioritize sustainability and efficient resource management. 
• Maximum shade: Tempe remains committed to its goal of shade at every stop and these shelters offer significant sun protection. 

Currently, Tempe has 783 bus stops, with about 60% lacking shelters. One of the primary challenges for shelter installations is the limited right of way available on most Tempe streets. 

Location of underground utilities, easements, driveways, fire hydrants and light poles require additional design to accommodate shelter pads. These new, adaptable designs cater to various locations, making them suitable for stops with limited space.

These first four sites are the smallest of the shelter designs called "micro shelters," the release explained. They are the first of 25 shelters in Phase 1. 

Next, there will be six shelters for new street improvements on Smith Road and Fifth Street, and six shelters for new bus stops on Rio Salado. 

Twenty shelters will be in place by the end of 2024 with the plan to install a minimum of 30 shelters per year after that. 

The cost of a micro shelter is $12,000 and a small shelter will cost $17,000, according to the release. Tempe is focusing on the production of these two shelter types, as they will fit the majority of vacant bus stops.

It is hoped that by adding shelters, people will have a more comfortable experience while waiting for buses, which would encourage them and others to ride more frequently, the release stated.

For information, visit tempe.gov/TransitShelters.