San Diego MTS installs first of 600 bus shelters slated for area

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is continuing to upgrade the region’s transit system with the installation of 600 new bus shelters and more than 1,800 benches in communities throughout San Diego. The upgrades come after major capital investments in new bus facilities in the South Bay and East County ($54 million) and a five-year reconstruction of the Trolley system ($660 million).

“This is another step toward modernizing San Diego’s transit system. We’ve made progress on a number of fronts, and new bus shelters and benches are a big part of enhancing the customer experience,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski.

Tolar Manufacturing, based out of Corona, Calif., will manufacture both products. All bus benches will be replaced within the next 12 months and will cost $1.5 million. Shelter installation will take five years and cost $6.4 million.

MTS currently has 450 shelters, so the improvement project will not only replace existing shelters, but include up to 150 additional shelters for passengers. Shelter amenities include solar and LED lighting systems; a modern design; dual purpose receptacles for trash and recycling; five-foot custom aluminum benches; large, easy-to-read display cases for system maps and timetables; and a custom roof design to prevent rain runoff from the shelter’s front and side openings shelter.