Tolar Manufacturing Co. recently celebrated the installation of the 150th bus shelter in Koreatown in Los Angeles via the City of Los Angeles’ Sidewalk and Transit Amenities Program (STAP).

The ceremony, joined by city leaders, community members, and project partners, marked a major milestone in the city’s ambitious initiative to modernize the transit experience across all neighborhoods with shade, comfort, and digital amenities.

Out of 3,450 bus stops, 150 shelters have been installed, with 250 projected by the end of the year.

The milestone marks the start of a 10-year citywide project aimed at modernizing the transit experience by installing 3,000 tech-enabled, comfortable, and aesthetically integrated bus shelters and 450 shade structures where they’re needed most — guided by data on ridership, urban heat, and accessibility.

Councilmembers Highlight STAP’s Role in Serving Riders Across LA

Hosted by the City of Los Angeles, the celebration featured remarks from Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Heather Hutt, as well as representatives from the Board of Public Works and program partners.

“Koreatown is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles with over 100,000 residents. Many of our seniors and young people rely on public transportation to get to work and everywhere else,” said Commissioner Steve Kang of the LA City Department of Public Works.

The program will provide amenities to 75% of bus riders in each of the city’s council districts, helping to encourage ridership and connect communities throughout Los Angeles.

“Our communities are connected. We share buses, sidewalks, and the summer heat. And when there’s no shade, we share the need for shelter like the one we are unveiling today,” said City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez of District 1. Already, more than 20,000 riders are benefiting from the new shelters.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic returns — underscoring the broader economic value of projects like STAP that enhance infrastructure, connect communities, and support local jobs.

Modern Bus Shelters by Tolar Manufacturing are Smart and Scalable

Tolar’s custom 12-ft Signature bus shelters were inspired by California Modernism and are designed as an easy-to-assemble parts kit tailored for scalability and customization across diverse neighborhoods.

The Signature bus shelters feature an angled aluminum flat roof below an upper structure of 3-in sq. steel tube framing, including a three-part ceiling, wrap-around aluminum skin, and perforated rear screen. Under-roof LED illumination provides passenger security.

The bus shelters will also feature digital solutions, including LED backlit rectangular display plates offering real-time information, smart light communications, location branding, RTIS, and optional emergency call box communications, all powered by solar or 110V inset into the bus shelter end wall. 

Led by Tranzito-Vector, the project brings together a team of design experts to develop and execute the program, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Designworks BMW, Studio One Eleven, Fehr & Peers, HLB Lighting, and Tolar Manufacturing.

Tolar Manufacturing was selected for its extensive expertise in creating high-quality transit amenities that enhance the rider experience. It is also responsible for fabricating state-of-the-art shelters designed by SOM. 

All shelters are fabricated at Tolar’s facility in Corona, Calif., under full Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance.