SR-012208-8C~r
City of
Santa Monica
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: January 22, 2007
Agenda Item: ~~~
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Stephanie Negriff, Director of Transit Services
Subject: Review and Comment on Bus Shelter and Bus Stop On-street Signage
Design and Master Plan
Recommended Action
Staff requests
1. Council direction and feedback on the bus shelter and on-street signage master
plan and on the bus shelter and sign styles; and
2. A modification to an existing Professional Services Contract with Amphion, Inc. in
the amount not to exceed of $96,270, if Council proceeds with a fully customized
option.
Executive Summary
Bus shelters will improve the primary access points to the City's public transit system,
thereby attracting new riders and improving the transit experience for current
customers. Staff also recognized that the bus stops without shelters also needed to be
upgraded to accommodate new real-time sign information and refresh the dated urban
design that is currently in use.
Staff is presenting to Council a bus shelter and bus stop signage master plan that
identifies the need for four different stop "styles" based on the volume of the stop. Staff
has identified a variety of shelter and sign designs for Council to consider. Several of
the models are off-the-shelf versions that can be purchased as is, or that can be slightly
modified. An alternative is a customized shelter designed by Amphion, Inc., the
architects who designed the shelters currently on the transit mall, to create a unique
custom-designed concept for a bus shelter. Once a model is agreed upon by Council,
staff will further develop the plan fleshing out more details and budgetary issues.
Federal funding in the amount of $2.4 million has been programmed for this project.
Background
Bus stop amenities that easily identify transit entry points, provide transit information
and improve the cityscape are important elements of a successful transit system. Bus
shelters and on-street signage are a vital source of passenger
1
G. L.~! i33
education/communication and greatly improve the passengers' experience on public
transit. Key functions of on-street shelters and signs are:
• A powerful marketing and public relations tool promoting transit services, the
transportation agency (branding, routes and services) and the City
• A vehicle for improving the public's image of bus travel
• A platform for quality presentation of travel information - (the shop window for
our transit services)
• A platform/vehicle for delivery of real-time arrival information
A safe, secure and welcoming place to congregate
• Method for directly increasing ridership
Discussion
The Shelter and Bus Stop Master Plan
Identifying Shelter Tvpes:
The plan to create and redesign bus shelters and on-street information for all Big Blue
Bus stops in the City involves creating four styles of stops based on volume of
boardings. Each stop in the City will be re-developed to offer an improved transit
experience and to create a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment. The four
types of stops that have been identified are:
I. High Volume Bus Shelter Stops
a. Bus stops where the most passengers board will offer a full shelter and
complete signage package including:
i. Printed eye-level schedules and maps
ii. Line number and AVR information (location name)
iii. No-smoking sign
iv. Disabled accessibility sign
v. Direction of travel
vi. Real-time bus arrival information
vii. Large regional maps and route displays
viii. Full bus shelter with seating, trash receptacles, in-shelter lighting
2
II. Moderate Volume Bus Stop Information System:
a. Stop locations with moderate number of boardings will receive a bus stop
sign and info system offering:
i. Printed eye-level schedules and maps
ii. Line number and AVR information (location name)
iii. No-smoking sign
iv. Disabled accessibility sign
v. Direction of travel
vi. Real-time bus arrival information
III. Lower Volume Bus Stop Information System:
a. Stop locations with lower volume of boardings will receive a bus stop sign
and info system offering:
i. Printed eye-level schedules and maps
ii. Line number and AVR information (location name)
iii. No-smoking sign
iv. Disabled accessibility sign
v. Direction of travel
IV. Special High Volume Signage
a. Key locations with high volume boardings and special situation stops will
receive larger versions of bus shelters and/or large information kiosks.
Some of these locations would include Santa Monica College on Pico and
Pico Blvd. at Lincoln.
Stop Locations:
An analysis of all bus stops within the City of Santa Monica to identify boarding volume
is currently underway, and will determine which style should be used at each location.
Stops outside the City of Santa Monica are also being investigated, but only select
stops will be upgraded at these locations. Early results of the bus stop analysis have
3
identified heavily utilized transit corridors along 4th Street and on Pico Boulevard, which
will have a high concentration of the shelter locations.
Each location will be evaluated to determine if the shelter. can be installed at the
location. High volume stops not suitable for a full bus shelter will receive new signage
and benches. Sites currently under consideration to receive a full bus shelter are listed
in Attachments A, B and C
The number of shelters and information poles that would be built and installed is directly
related to the costs of the shelter and type chosen. Funding from the Federal Transit
Administration has been secured and programmed into the Capital Improvement Plan.
The Big Blue Bus hopes to install up to 20 shelters and about 30% of Moderate and
Lower Volume signage in phase one and the remainder of the stops and locations in
phases two and three.
Once a specific design model is decided upon, a full cost analysis will be completed
From that, a schedule will be developed identifying the number of stops that can be
upgraded and their locations
Elements of Bus Shelter Design
There are many manufacturers of "off the shelf' bus shelters and signs, however, their
designs often look generic and inconsistent with the current urban design of the City.
Staff has researched several companies offering more innovative designs for Council's
consideration and comment. Off-the-shelf shelters can be modified (at additional cost)
but still may cost less than a complete custom design. Staff has also had one complete
custom shelter developed for review as well.
Model Option #1: The Complete Custom Design (see Attachment D)
The design of the proposed shelter was developed to create synergy between current
Big Blue Bus on-street elements and the existing Big Blue Bus brand identity and to
4
enhance the streetscape of the areas where they are placed. Using colors and materials
similar to those found on the transit mall and on the Big Blue Bus, this design effectively
creates a shelter that is both user-friendly and reinforces the brand identity of both the
Big Blue Bus and the City of Santa Monica.
Several considerations were incorporated into the custom shelter design. The design
must be integrated into the surrounding cityscape and needed to take into consideration
various physical constraints found on the streets. Therefore, the custom shelter was
designed in a modular format to allow the canopy to be of various lengths depending on
the space available at each location. It was also constructed to allow for maximum
visibility through the shelters to the buildings behind them, ensuring that businesses can
be clearly seen.
The use of solar technology to power the shelter lights and the real-time information
signs supports the City of Santa Monica's sustainability goals. Solar capabilities are an
option on some of the shelters. If added, solar adaptation may slightly modify the roof
line of the shelter. A study is currently underway to see how many of the shelters could
be powered solely or in part with solar technology.
To contribute further to our Sustainable City Plan, trash receptacles and recycling bins
were considered important elements of the shelter design. Although currently there are
no recycling containers, waste receptacles are processed through the transfer station
where recycled materials are removed. EPWM has informed the Big Blue Bus of the
requirements for specific recycling bins that would be needed for successful
implementation of a specific on-street recycling containers.
Stainless steel framing was chosen for the primary support poles because it mimics the
existing look of the transit mall and because of its durability against the elements and
graffiti. The shelters also blend well with the current silver-colored bus benches which
5
would be retained where space allows. Steel prices are expected to rise in the coming
year and these increasing costs may have an impact oh the projected budget.
The custom shelters were also designed to provide both static informational signs and
real-time signs that inform customers of the wait time until the next bus.
If Council approves the design concept, staff requests a modification to the Amphion,
Inc. Professional Services Agreement. Amphion, Inc. are the architects who designed
the transit mall shelters, arbors, and signs and developed this initial bus shelter concept.
Therefore this would be a continuation of their work with the City. This work includes
final engineering and electrical drawings and complete site analysis of the chosen
locations.
Off-the Shelf Designs
Several off-the-shelf- units are available from a variety of companies and in general
these units are significantly less expensive than the custom design. Even with
modifications these off-the-shelf units can be up to 50% less in cost enabling us to place
more units on the streets. Staff has researched and found that some of these
companies have integrated real-time signs that function with the current Siemens
technology that has recently been installed on the bus fleet. This reduces costs and
creates a simplified structure where the signs can be built more easily into each unit.
Many of them also offer advanced solar technology that would reduce the need for
costly trenching while supporting the City's sustainability plan. Another benefit of these
off-the-shelf products is that many offer complete systems that provide design continuity
between different sizes and types of shelters and signs. This reduces the time and costs
associated with developing four different architectural designs, which would be the case
with the complete custom design. And because they are off-the-shelf product
replacements, additions and changes can be made for less money.
6
Off-the Shelf Design and Configuration Options:
• Lower Volume Information Sign Design 1 (Attachment E)
o Example shows a pole style that is three sided, with a base cap on the
ground. It can have solar capabilities for a light, and features eye-level
signs, route numbers, and has flexibility for much more information such
as "no-smoking" AVR numbers, and direction of travel.
• Lower Volume Information Sign showing solar panel Design 1 (Attachment F)
Lower Volume Information Sign alternate view Design 1 (Attachment G)
o This drawing illustrates that the sign meets all ADA requirements
• Moderate Volume Sign Design 1 (Attachment H)
o This drawing illustrates how the real-time information sign is integrated
into the system.
• Moderate Volume Sign without real-time Design 1 (Attachment I)
o This illustrates another option that is available for moderate volume stops.
This can be modified with real-time signs and can also be used in
conjunction with a shelter.
• Special High Volume Sign Options Design 1 (Attachment J)
o This demonstrates a variety of sign styles that can be used at special high
volume locations.
• Lower and Moderate Information Signs Design 2 (Attachment K)
o This shows a different style of information sign that could be used at lower
and moderate stop locations. The illustration. shows ,one with areal-time
sign, one without, and one used for branding purposes only.
Bus Shelter Design Option 1: Winged Shelter (Attachments L-1, L-2, L-3, L-4)
o These pages illustrate an all-glass shelter design and show that it can be
modified to work with 4-footings of various sizes or 2-footings. The glass in
the shelters can be arranged in different ways to provide maximum
protection from the elements, or can be mostly removed, and the glass
can be clear or a pattern applied.
7
o This shelter requires that a pole configuration from above be used with it
to provide the on-street information.
• Bus Shelter Option 2: Contempo Shelter (Attachment M)
o This graphic illustrates a very contemporary design that can allow for built-
in real-time signs and large amounts of on-street information that is all
built into one unit.
• Bus Shelter Option 3: The Mini (Attachment N)
This shelter matches the information sign poles design 2 from Attachment K and
features real-time information and solar capabilities, and high visibility.
Previous Council Actions
In May of 2005, Council approved the conceptual design of the Rapid Blue shelters that
were to be placed primarily along the Lincoln corridor. At that time, Council also
approved the Professional Services Agreement with Amphion, Inc. to fully develop the
drawings needed to build these shelters. However, regulatory issues between Metro
and the City of Los Angeles have delayed the Big Blue Bus from receiving the funding
that was approved for this project. Therefore, the local shelters will be built first and the
Rapid shelters will be added later when the regional funding issues are resolved.
Public Outreach
Once a design is approved, outreach to the businesses around each bus shelter will
begin. Information showing the design will be mailed out as well as made available on
the buses and on the Big Blue Bus website for comment. Public meetings will also be
conducted.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
Staff is requesting only comment and feedback on the design options. However, should
Council direct staff to proceed with the full customized shelter design, a modification to
the contract with Amphion, Inc. in the amount not to exceed of $96,270 for completion of
8
site analysis and final architectural drawings for the shelters is required. Total estimated
costs for 20 full-custom designed shelters have been projected at $2,361,504. Federal
funds in the amount. of $2.4 million have been programmed for this project. Funds for
this project are available in account 0410114.589000.
Maintenance of the shelters, including pressure washing, sign replacement, graffiti
removal, trash pick up and general cleaning, can be done through an outside contract of
in-house personnel.. Current estimates for cleaning 20 shelters once per week are
approximately $80,000 per year.
Prepared by:
Dan Dawson, Customer Relations Manager
Approved:
~c ~
iie Negriff
of Transit Services
Forwarded to Council:
P. ont Eve
City Manager
Attachments
9
ATTACHMENT A:
Proposed Shelter Locations Part A
~uuuuuuuuuu~
~o^^^~^^^ooC
~~^^^o^^^o^C
~~^^^0^^^~^C
]~~~^:^~^€~~^a^;Ci~ :^gC
~0^^Ci0^^^ ^'~a
^o^~o^^~~~~
~~~~~vL~J~~ ~~~
y
3 [
L J ~ O
a 3:
ATTACHMENT B:
Proposed Shelter Locations Part B
~3U~U3~J~U~~JmUo!~~~.-d3~J
=.Ew~.
~^^^^^^^
~0^^~u^^
~~^^^~^^
~~^^^0^^
ca.~aF~E~n
au
~~
~I^^^^^^^I~^^C
SCI^^^~^^ IJ^C
~0^^^I~^^ D^C
~3~~^
T ^ ° ^ 6
~^3^
^^
^^
^^
,.~,.
:; ,
_• ~.
~,. o
~^^^^^
~^^^^^
~~~~~~
~i ^
^ ^
~~~~~~
ATTACHMENT C:
Proposed Shelter
Locations City-wide
~0^^^~^^ ~l^C
~^^^^^^~, ^^C
~a^^oo^^ oo~
~IO^^^0~^ D^C
~~^^^0^^ ~^C
~0^^^~^^ DOC
~!^0^^^^~~ e` ^C
-I^^^~0^~~ ^
3-
~~~~ooo~a~oc
~~ooo~o~~o~~
~~^^00^^^0^~
~o^^^~^~^~o~
~£a^^~^~o~oe^~~~ =^a~
~o^^^~^o^ ^ec
o^^^o^^~~~~
~ O D U~~~ 0~^ C
~^^^^~0§ ^^~^C
i S 64 95 ~ ;
1 3 a Ye ¢ ~° 3 e 9
ATTACHMENT D:
Proposed Custom Shelter Design
ATTACHMENT E:
Lower Volume
Information .Sign
Design 1
^ Route number and name
^ Map and schedule of route
^ Up to three panels of
information
^ City and Big Blue Bus logo
^ No smoking universal sign
^ Handicapped accessibility
universal sign
^ AVR/bus stop number
^ Solar capabilities
^ Pole light
ATTACHMENT F:
Lower Volume Information Sign
Showing Solar Panel Design 1
ATTACHMENT G:
Lower volume Information Sign
Alternate View Design 1
°~
ATTACHMENT H:
Moderate Volume Sign Design 1
^ Route number and name
^ Map and schedule of route
^ Up to three panels of information
^ City and Big Blue Bus logo
^ No smoking universal sign
^ Handicapped accessibility
universal sign
^ AVR/bus stop number
^ Solar capabilities
^ Pole light
^ Real-time info sign
ATTACHMENT I:
Moderate Volume Sign w/o Real Time Design 1
ATTACHMENT J:
Special High Volume Sign Options Design 1
xti^.c1~^~i nl.~~ai a~rtt il]urrfi=z~.3i~€r
p4f I'} A.~::iYFt3 9r+:t ~~#R t ~FIiCt Y~F,FIZ)("y+
~hS x' . T..=3RN
E#t.+i'cit3 n-..rf:l vi~t ~z ec '~ r1 r,terpr~ rr(ttt ~x fttr.+?J st r e}r.w ,•viitl !II H r'rt-3airat~
L! rteTin.ttntn 611ixs ,n~ ,rS¢x -~nK w°~6!'1TrF ke ria~x Syb n: #nr1 fi'?'~{
S'ir;lt r:l
ATTACHMENT K:
Lower and Moderate Bus Stop
Information Sign Design 2
^ Route number and name
^ City and Big Blue Bus logo
^ No smoking universal sign
^ Handicapped accessibility
universal sign
^ AVR/bus stop number
^ Solar capabilities
^ Pole light
^ Real-time info sign
^ Lacking map and schedule of routes
ATTACHMENT L-1:
Bus Shelter Option 1
(Winged Shelter)
^ Clear glass back or no back provides
maximum visibility
^ Two-footing design preferable for
narrow sidewalks
^ Stainless steel design matches current
outdoor structures and resistant to
weather/graffiti
` S' ni ,>r ez P.dz?zj r nix[ S°,«iEv±~:
S1Ct'At ;g-a k( ,~1 ~i• ,GSIt is
# ,
~~, ._~,:,n:,
,. a ,._
ATTACHMENT L-2:
Bus Shelter Option 1
(Winged Shelter)
e Clear glass back or no back provides
maximum visibility
^ Two-footing design preferable for
narrow sidewalks
^ Stainless steel design matches current
outdoor structures and resistant to
weather/graffiti
°~'~Yo-~ w~. ,
__, _..... ... f::
i~ i'
S k
ATTACHMENT L-3:
Bus Shelter Option 1
(Winged Shelter)
^ Clear glass back or no
back provides maximum
visibility
^ Two-footing design
preferable for narrow
sidewalks
^ Stainless steel design
matches current outdoor
structures and resistant
to weather/graffiti
or~guriiar~
-_ ! ~ ~_ ~ i
1 - _
s- ~ ~
~~ s i
~ ~~ I
~l ~
~~
~~
I --- ~ ~~ ~ ~-- -~ ~~--- -.
____ ._.
ATTACHMENT L-4:
Bus Shelter Option
(Winged Shelter)
^ Clear glass back or no back provides
maximum visibility
^ Two-footing design preferable for
narrow sidewalks
^ Stainless steel design matches current
outdoor structures and resistant to
weather/graffiti
ATTACHMENT M:
Bus Shelter Option 2 (Contempo Shelter)
^ Provides maximum
visibility to
businesses behind
^ Two-footing design
preferable for
narrow sidewalks
^ Stainless steel
design matches
current outdoor
structures and
resistant to
weather/graffiti
^ Real-time signs
built-in
ATTACHMENT N:
Bus Shelter Concept 3 (The Mini)
^ Provides good visibility to businesses
behind
^ Two-footing design preferable for
narrow sidewalks
^ Stainless steel design
^ Can be modified with real-time signs