Bus shelters are important in public transportation systems. They offer weather protection, display community artwork, provide advertising space, and encourage public transportation use. The presence and quality of bus shelters can affect public transportation usage. If people are comfortable waiting for a bus, they are more likely to use the service. This can decrease traffic, reduce air pollution, and support an active lifestyle.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) has a detailed process for choosing bus shelter locations. It starts with finding a potential site or receiving a request from a rider, municipality, or private property owner. The site’s suitability for a bus shelter is assessed based on specific criteria, including a minimum number of daily users. User data is collected by staff and technology. If the location meets the GCRTA criteria, the agency pays for the shelter’s installation and maintenance.
If a location doesn’t meet GCRTA’s criteria, the Community Partnership Investment Program (CPIP) is used. The CPIP lets individuals, businesses, or organizations fund a new shelter at a bus stop of their choice. Community partners can add custom features to their shelters within GCRTA guidelines, like a bike rack. They can also choose from pre-approved roof options for GCRTA’s standard shelters.