• There is a need to improve bus stop amenities, especially at the busiest bus stops, to improve the comfort and overall experience of taking transit in Oakland. There is a desire for more bus shelters throughout Oakland, including on Boulevard of the Allies. Transit advocates have requested more ticket vending machines in South Oakland. Residents have also requested trash cans at select bus stops and clear signage when bus stop locations are relocated.
• Bus layover locations should be evaluated with sensitivity to resident concerns regarding bus idling, exhaust fumes, noise pollution, and related concerns.
• Bus stop placement decisions should consider nearby pedestrian safety and access, among other factors.

• Project Description
  • For transit riders, the quality of bus stops play an important role in the comfort and overall experience of taking transit.
  • Enhancing bus stops will improve access, comfort and mobility of transit riders.
  • Each year a group of bus stops will be selected for improvements. Oakland Arts and Design Committee and/or resident organizations identify priority transit stops each year and ensure projects reflect the community in which they exist. Using the bus stop amenity matrix, specific investments will be made based on stop type, ridership, location, and other characteristics.
  • The group of stops selected will be based on a prioritization tool along with stakeholder input.
• Project Goals
  • Ensure all bus stops have minimum amenities for the stop type as described in the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) Bus Stop and Street Design Guidelines.
    • Basic Bus Stop Requirements – sign, ADA accessible loading pad, and connection to the sidewalk
    • Bench Bus Stop Requirements – All that is included for basic stops plus a bench and a trash can
    • Shelter Bus Stop Requirements – All that is included for bench stops plus a shelter and lighting
  • Where appropriate based on the amenity matrix, install additional amenities to bus stops to further enhance accessibility, comfort, and multi-modal connections.
  • Invest in bus stop enhancements in an equitable way that ensures investments are made in all communities in Oakland.
  • Use bus stops as placemaking tools by including public art made by Oakland residents and including Oakland residents in the design and decision-making process.
• Prioritization Tool
  • Not all bus stops can receive enhancements at the same time. Therefore, it is important to develop a framework that will prioritize the critical bus stops to invest in first.
  • It is assumed bus stops on Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue will be upgraded with the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
  • Key Factors for Prioritization
    • Current status of bus stop – Does the bus stop already have the standard amenities based on the bus stop type?
    • Density – How many people live near the bus stop?
    • Land use and development – How many jobs and major activity centers are near the bus stop?
    • Vulnerable populations – Is there a higher share of seniors, people with disabilities, children, or low-income households living near the bus stop?
    • Transit connections – Does this stop serve multiple PAAC routes or connect to paratransit, campus shuttles, regional transit, or other transit services?
    • Multimodal connections – Does this stop connect to existing or planned bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure (e.g. bike lanes, bike share stations, sidewalks, trails, etc.)?
    • Alignment with other planned projects – Is the bus stop on a road with a planned project and/or resurfacing?

When to start: 0-2 years

Duration: Ongoing

Estimated costs: $$ (out of $$$$) - Cost will vary depending on the type of improvements for each individual bus stop. This estimation takes into account the average cost for the selected group of bus stops that will be upgraded.

Project lead(s): PAAC and DOMI will both co-lead

Project partner(s): Arts and design committee, OPDC, neighborhood associations

Potential funding source(s): PAAC, OPA, institutions, foundation grants in partnership with OBID and OPDC