Full bus shelter amenities include a trash can, bike rack, and a shelter. {city of Tamarac.}
By Selene Raj
Almost 100,000 passengers use public transportation in Broward County each day. With it comes long waits for busses in the cold, heat, or torrential rains South Florida is known for.
Thanks to a Broward County surtax, Tamarac residents should expect to find relief with 79 new bus stop shelters and amenities, including benches, trash cans, and bike racks funded through the Mobility Advancement Program (MAP).
Already, 22 have been installed and funded through an original agreement and a past federal grant.
The county-funded project includes 27 additional full amenity bus shelters and 30 partial amenity shelters. Requirements for a full amenity shelter include a minimum of 10-15 boarding passengers per day and space to fit the shelter.
The new shelters and amenities will be distributed evenly throughout the city.
Currently, there are 154 Broward County Transit stops located within the city limits of Tamarac. Of those, 95, or approximately 62 percent, either have or will receive new amenities. This will bring Tamarac to number ten in the ranks of the highest amenities provided by municipalities in Broward County.
Through the agreement with the county, the city is responsible for maintenance, repair, and replacement.
In total, Broward County has invested $2,357,410 in the shelters and amenities.
The city’s current maintenance cost is $62,552, including staff salary and benefits. The proposed shelters add $93,250 to the overall maintenance budget, bringing the total investment to $155,802. This would cover salary and benefits for at least 2 personnel, some supplies, repair, and maintenance.
It does not include all potential repair and replacement costs.
Residents who utilize public transportation can look forward to 24 additional bus stops receiving shelters throughout the spring and summer of 2021 and a remaining 33 locations to receive some amenities by summer 2022.
Map courtesy of the City of Tamarac
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