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.
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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.”
The audit found multiple safety compliance failures at the Charlotte agency, citing elevated assault risks and ordering corrective action within 30 days.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.
MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.
In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
