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TRANSIT SHELTER.MEDIUM.LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE.1.29.2022
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Government » Transportation and Sustainability » Transportation » Bus, Light Rail, Paratransit, Streetcar

Tempe Transit Shelters

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Tempe is dedicated to providing a comfortable, convenient, and sustainable public transportation system. Shelter features were designed to benefit both riders and the environment by having a more pleasant experience while waiting for the bus and by using sustainable features like solar power, local materials, and modular designs with interchangeable parts. Tempe’s goal is to have shade at every stop, whether it is from a shelter, tree or adjacent building.

TRANSIT SHELTER.DUSK WITH MURAL.LIBRARY.1.19.22  MEDIUM SHELTER.LIT.WITH MURAL.1.19.22

There are currently 791 bus stops citywide of which 57% are without shelters, and 340 (43%) have shelters. The sheter designs provide options for varying site conditions, allowing placement at bus stops with limited right-of-way.

The new shelter designs include four different models (Micro, Small, Medium & Large), accommodating the smallest stop to the largest sites with high ridership. Tempe is focusing on the production of the Micro and Small shelter types, as they will fit the majority of vacant bus stops.

Twenty shelters have been installed in 2024. These include six shelters for new street improvements on Smith Road and on Fifth Street, and five shelters for new bus stops on Rio Salado Parkway. The plan is to install a minimum of 30 shelters per year.

One of the primary challenges for shelter installations is the limited right of way available on most Tempe streets. Location of underground utilities, easements, driveways, fire hydrants and light poles require additional design to accommodate shelter pads. These new, adaptable designs cater to various locations, making them suitable for stops with limited space.

The criteria for prioritizing shelter placement includes transit ridership, heat vulnerability, and the likelihood to use transit, including zero car households, poverty, racial and ethnic minority groups, employment, and disabled population by census tract.

Background

In 2019, a steering committee was created to guide the design of Tempe's transit shelters in order to increase ridership and provide an iconic Tempe identity for the transit system.  The steering committee was made up of transit riders, bus drivers, community members and ASU representatives. 

Public Comments and Meetings

  • Jan. 29, 2022: Public meeting (Online comment Jan. 29 to March 7, 2022)
  • July 21, 2020: Public Meeting (Online comment July 21 to Aug. 19, 2020)
  • Jan. 18 and 21, 2020: Public Meetings (Online comment Jan. 18 to Feb. 18, 2020)
  • Sept. 21 & 25, 2019: Public Meetings (Online comment Sept. 21 to Oct. 16, 2019)

Funding

Cost of the shelters: Micro Shelter is $12,000; Small Shelter is $17,000.

Shelters are paid for using the Transit Fund.

Documents