The gist
DART announced the new program July 25 after partnering with Tolar Manufacturing to install different versions of a new bus shelter at five bus stop locations. The prototypes were designed and built based on feedback previously received from bus riders, according to a news release.
The prototypes include:
- A standard-width shelter with benches
- A slim-width shelter with benches
- A mini-shelter with seating for two
Quote of note
“We’re looking to see how these shelters and all their new features are received by our riders,” mobility capital projects director Brandi Stringer said in a statement. ““Our number one goal is to provide an amenity at our bus stops that riders love and adds to their experience when riding DART.”
What’s next?
DART expects to run the pilot program through November while gathering feedback from riders and other stakeholders. Officials expect to soon release a survey asking riders at these select bus stops for feedback on the shelters.
A final design is expected by the end of the year for DART’s next-generation bus shelters which will be used throughout its bus network.
Some context
The new prototypes were designed with bus rider input that was collected by DART officials in 2023. Architecture and urban planning students from the University of Texas at Arlington helped design the new bus shelters, according to the news release.
Feedback received by DART indicated riders wanted more protection from weather elements, improved lighting and real-time bus arrival information. UTA students designed a concept shelter which DART used to deliver the prototypes being used for the pilot program.
