Bus Stop and Bus Shelter Concerns
Bus Stop and Bus Shelter Issues
No, bus or transit passenger shelters are owned, placed and maintained through a third-party contractor (InSite Street Media, formerly Signal Outdoor), through a contract with Prince George’s County, Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T).
2. What are the ridership criteria for a bus shelter and bench?
If average transit ridership exceeds 15 or more boarding among one or more bus lines per day, then it qualifies for a bus shelter. Ridership levels below 15 passengers per day is enough to justify a transit passenger bench. Both amenities are provided by our third-party bus shelter contractor.
3. How does the County evaluate requests for bus shelters?
Transit staff must determine if a future bus shelter is within public right of way. If the right of way space is on a State-owned road or highway, then the request must be evaluated and processed by our engineering team. Upon County engineering staff concurrence, this request is sent over to the State Highway Administration along with a site plan and permit application. The internal review process and SHA’s process takes at least 4-6 months. If the right of way space is on a County road, then transit staff will evaluate existing conditions and document any needed site improvements.
4. How does the County evaluate requests for County transit “The Bus” bus stops?
Prior to approving bus stops, DPW&T staff must conduct a field visit at the proposed location and determine how far existing stops are on the bus line. If a bus stop qualifies based upon the proximity of existing or potential attractions for bus riders and there are no nearby stops within at least 500 feet, then DPW&T transit staff coordinates with our bus contractor and works with our sign shop to install a bus stop pole and sign. If the site is not accessible for persons with disabilities, then it requires coordination with our Office of Highway Maintenance team to make the necessary site improvements. If the bus stop is on a State maintained roadway, then County staff must coordinate with the State Highway Administration.
5. Who is responsible for trash pick-up at bus stops and bus shelters?
At regular bus stops without passenger bus shelters, the Department of Public Works and Transportation’s Office of Special Services is responsible for monitoring and collecting trash from receptacles. There are some bus stop locations, with solar powered trash compactors and recycling cans (known as “Big Belly” trash cans) which are installed and maintained by the Prince George’s County, Department of the Environment. At all passenger bus shelters, InSite Street media is responsible for collecting trash deposited in their receptacles.