San Diego MTS installs first of 600 bus shelters slated for area
All bus benches will be replaced by Tolar Manufacturing within the next 12 months and will cost $1.5 million. Tolar shelter installation will take five years and cost $6.4 million.
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.
The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.
Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.