Waiting for a BWG Transit bus could soon become a whole lot more comfortable.
BWG council accepted a staff report Tuesday about a plan that could see benches installed at 27 transit stop locations around the town.
The town was approached by Creative Outdoor Advertising and Crown Media Inc., which want to purchase, install and maintain the benches through the use of on-bench advertising.
Their plan would cost the town nothing and give it a minimum $8,100 annual subsidy, according to the report.
“Great idea. We wanted new benches in town anyway,” said BWG Coun. Peter Ferragine.
“To support the goals of continued ridership growth and to provide a human scale to BWG Transit, improvements to bus stop infrastructure are necessary,” read the report. “A shelter or bench can improve the opinion of wait times and provide a level of sanctuary for transit riders and members of the public alike.”
The town already has a similar contract with Creative Outdoor Advertising for its transit shelters, from which it receives $550 every year, the report read.
In light of recent attacks in North America by drivers going over curbs to hit pedestrians, Coun. Mark Contois also brought up the issue of whether the town should consider installing barriers to protect people sitting on the benches.
“It’s something that needs to be thought about for the future,” he said. “It’s just a level of security for those folks.”
Town staff will report back to council with a contract, bench type, and bench location list.
