Bus Stop Improvements
About Bus Stop Improvements
The City of Takoma Park initiated a comprehensive effort to update, inventory, and improve all bus stops in the City in order to encourage bus ridership and use of public transportation. Bus stop amenities make public transit more appealing and can, in turn, increase ridership. The aim is to make bus stops in Takoma Park accessible, safe, comfortable, and informative.
Current Project Status
Through the spring and summer of 2022, new bus shelters were installed at the following, and custom Takoma Arts vinyl decals were installed at the following locations:
- Flower Ave & Houston Ave (2)
- New Hampshire Ave & Holton Ln
- Maple Ave & Grant Ave
- Maple Ave & Hilltop Rd
Planning staff are working to identify strategies for the remaining high-volume stops, which face intense engineering challenges.
Project Background
In May 2019, the City was awarded a MWCOG Technical Assistance Grant for a bus stop accessibility inventory. The selected consultants, KFH Group, inventoried all bus stops in the City with a focus on ADA compliance, accessibility, and bike and pedestrian improvements to facilitate region-wide multi-modal transportation and connectivity. The project concluded with a set of priorities and actionable recommendations for both stand alone and capital improvements.
Staff then inventoried all bus stops within the City for ridership numbers and presence of amenities. An interactive map is available which displays all bus stops, ridership numbers, and the presence of amenities.
In January 2020, the City Council passed a resolution in support of improved bus stop features across the City. The effort prioritized the installation of bus shelters at stops which met selected (high) ridership, racial equity, climate impact, cost, and safety criteria.
Project Lead and Contact Info
Alex Freedman
Planner
Phone: 301-891-7119
Email: alexanderf@takomaparkmd.gov
Quicklinks
- Planning and Community Development
- Bikeways Program
- Bus Stop Improvements
- Maple Avenue Connectivity Project
- Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade
- Minor Master Plan Amendment
- New Ave Bikeway
- Public Space Management Plan
- Safe Routes to School
- We Belong Here: The Takoma Park Equity Walk
Bus Stop Improvements Details
Project Info & Timeline
- Completion Date: Improvements are ongoing; MWCOG Grant concluded in June 2020
- Takoma Park’s Role in Project: Lead
- Departments Involved: Housing & Community Development, Public Works
Budget and Funding Source
- $50,000 for technical assistance from MWCOG to fund the bus stop accessibility inventory.
- $60,000 for acquisition of five bus shelters from City General Fund.
- Some bus shelter installations will be funded through the City’s on-going contract with In-Site Media. Other improvements will be funded by the City or additional grant funding when applicable.
Links & Notes
- Interactive Map of City Bus Stops
- Racial Equity Project Profile — Bus Stop Improvements
- Final Report of Bus Stop Improvement Study
- Council Resolution for Bus Shelter Plan and Prioritization
- Landing Pad Installation Map by KFH
- ADA Compliance Map by KFH
Project Timeline
Ongoing Bus Shelter Installation and Implementation of Recommendations
- Summer 2022
Installation of public art in five bus shelters - Summer/Fall 2021
Installation of five new bus shelters on Flower Avenue, Maple Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue
- Spring/Summer 2021
ADA compliance improvement in select locations - July 30, 2020
Installation of bus shelter at Ethan Allen and New Hampshire Avenues - May 20, 2020
KFH Group Council Presentation and Final Report - Fall 2019
Staff Inventory and Mapping of Bus Stops - October 2019
KFH Group Selected as Consultant - May 2019
MWCOG Technical Assistance Grant Awarded for Bus Stop Accessibility Inventory
