Why Cities Should Plan for Shaded Bus Bench Partnership in January?
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by Lynn Terlaga, Municipal Affairs at COA – Partnering with municipalities and transit authorities to provide cost-free infrastructure.
When it comes to urban planning, it’s easy to put off projects like bus benches until summer, when everyone is sweating buckets and collectively asking, “Why didn’t we think of this sooner?” But here’s the thing: January is the perfect time to get the ball rolling on shaded bus benches. COA offers a cost-free, maintenance-free, and worry-free partnership that puts you in control. Let’s dive into why this chilly month is the ideal moment for such a sunny idea.
A Head Start on Installation
Installing shaded bus benches isn’t as simple as plopping down a park bench and calling it a day. There are plans to draft, ADA-compliant locations to identify, manufacturing, and preferably before they’re booked solid for the summer. There is shipping, bench installations, and concrete pads to pour. Starting in January means avoiding the “construction crunch” and ensuring benches are ready for action when temperatures climb.
Comfort: Not Just a Summer Fling
Sure, shaded benches scream “summer relief,” but shaded benches don’t just protect against the blazing summer sun; they’re equally handy for shielding you from a surprise downpour.
Plus, installing shaded seating shows that a city actually cares about its transit riders—you know, the pedestrians, seniors, and mobility-challenged folks who would appreciate not waiting for the bus like they’re auditioning for “Survivor: Urban Edition.”
Environmental and Economic Wins
Shade structures aren’t just practical; they’re environmentally savvy too. They help combat the urban heat island effect. Starting in January, screams, “We’re saving the planet, one bus stop at a time!”
Plus, making transit more pleasant might just boost ridership, which means more fare revenue and fewer empty buses driving around like forlorn parade floats.
Skip the Seasonal Scramble
Come summer, city departments are busier than a coffee shop on Monday morning. From pothole repairs to park cleanups, there’s no shortage of urgent tasks. Tackling bus bench projects in January avoids the “we’ll get to it later” trap and ensures riders don’t have to endure another summer with zero shade.
Momentum for Bigger Wins
A January bench project isn’t just about comfort; it’s a gateway to bigger and better urban improvements. Success here can snowball into broader initiatives, proving that proactive planning beats reactive scrambling any day of the week.
Bus benches might seem like a small thing, but they’re a big win for everyone. Getting a head start in January means happier transit riders, a greener city, and fewer summer regrets. So let’s ditch the procrastination and make shaded benches a priority—because waiting until summer to think about shade is like waiting until it rains to buy an umbrella. Reach out today! Just DM me for a brochure.
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