Tolar Manufacturing introducing SmartPlace solution
With over 25 years in business, Tolar arguably has the largest portfolio of transit shelters and related street furniture in North America.

Tolar.

Tolar.
Tolar Manufacturing has been providing best-in-class, distinctive “Sense of Place™” street furniture solutions for transit agencies and outdoor advertising companies since its founding by Gary Tolar in 1991.
With over 25 years in business, Tolar arguably has the largest portfolio of transit shelters and related street furniture in North America. The company’s most recent $6.8 million multi-year contract award for LYNX in Orlando, Fla. comes on the heels of multiple competitively awarded contracts and extensions in the last several months for cities in Fla., Texas, Calif., Colo., Mo., Mont., Hawaii and B.C., Canada.
Much of Tolar’s success is due to its compelling drive to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. Currently, that means focusing on innovation and technology directly within bus stops. Providing timely and accurate information at bus and rail stops, supporting the information delivered to a passenger’s mobile device, is quickly becoming the norm. But, utilizing technology to deliver real-time information is only the tip of the iceberg.
Tolar Manufacturing’s SmartPlace™ is leading the way with distinctive at-stop digital solutions that addresses growing passenger expectations, from real-time information housed in oversize displays and free-standing kiosks, to solar solutions for safety and security, revenue-generating digital advertising displays, charging stations, closed-caption cameras, and more.
Budget concerns often limit a community’s ability to provide weather-protecting transit shelters, comfortable seating, and innovative technology at bus stops. Meeting the challenge head on, Tolar has launched eye-catching, oversized, at-stop digital displays that attract revenue-generating advertisers while providing a passenger amenity solution that reflects the true character of a community. Not only can real-time passenger information be provided through these displays, they can also integrate with the data to provide contextually relevant ads, news, and information — a wonderful selling point for paying advertisers.
Pairing its diverse transit shelter design portfolio with customized branding and cutting-edge technology has allowed Tolar Manufacturing Co. to grow into the North American leader of transit shelter design and fabrication. With more than 500 designs and hundreds of customized solutions in its portfolio, Tolar Manufacturing has the experience and ability to create outdoor structures of durability and distinction that reflect the character of a community, that’s the “Tolar Difference.”
Visit Tolar at the APTA Expo at Booth #2303
More Security and Safety

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Approves New Fare Evasion Penalty Program
The new administrative process will move eligible violations out of the criminal court system, cap penalties at $125, and provide flexible payment options for riders.
Read More →
RTC of Southern Nevada Reports 29% Drop in Transit Operator Assaults
The agency credits expanded security measures, employee training, and technology investments for improvements in transit safety, while security officers have responded to 19 suspected overdoses since July.
Read More →
Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open
The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.
Read More →
Safe Transit Act Proposes New Security Requirements for Federal Transit Funding
Proposed legislation would link federal transit dollars to safety measures while requiring security investments, onboard cameras, and new fare collection standards.
Read More →
FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions
The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.
Read More →
Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit
Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.
Read More →
DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative
The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.
Read More →
RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting
The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.
Read More →