Here’s some good MUNI news for a change… This week, MUNI debuted its latest bus shelter design which aside from looking pretty, is also environmentally friendly. An unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday next to one that was installed at the southeast corner of Geary and Arguello Boulevards.
A red wave design sits atop the shelter but it’s not just for show. Solar panels are embedded inside the wave that power the NextMuni display, a Push-To-Talk system so blind people can hear the NextMuni information, and environmentally friendly light bulbs.
According to an article on SFGate.com, “Each new shelter will also include comfier seats and more maps and transit information. The city is also testing whether the new shelters can have WiFi connectivity.” Green and possibly wired – love it!
So who’s paying for this? Actually, it’s not the taxpayers. According to the SFGate article, “Clear Channel Outdoor is paying to create and maintain the shelters in exchange for the advertising space on the sides.” The good news is that it’s no more advertising space than what’s on the old shelters.
All told, 1,100 shelters around the city will be converted over the next few years. Check out the photos below to get a closer look at the new shelter.
Sarah B.
P.S. – The NextMuni display in the pics isn’t broken – my camera just didn’t pick it up properly. 😉