Residents in northeast Oklahoma City can now enjoy the first completed enhancements to their bus stops, courtesy of the MAPS 4 project. These improvements come with a $4.3 million price tag for the initial phase and are focused on 140 bus stops deemed as the highest priority based on usage, reported the City of Oklahoma City's official website.
The comprehensive MAPS 4 initiative, which is slated to ultimately pour $11.2 million into revamping around 500 bus stops citywide, kicked off with upgrades including new shelters to shield riders from the elements, enhancements to meet ADA standards, and the addition of amenities like seating and lighting. These aren't just any shelters; they come equipped with LED security lighting and solar panels, signaling a shift to incorporate cleaner energy solutions.
Apart from providing refuge from weather and sun, the new shelters also offer features designed for modern convenience such as trash cans and bicycle racks, ensuring that the transit experience is not only more comfortable but also comprehensive. "The MAPS 4 transit projects will transform Oklahoma City's public transit infrastructure, and these new bus stops are a significant first step,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd expressed on the City of Oklahoma City, emphasizing the goal to enrich the overall rider experience.
Oklahoma City’s aging bus stop shelters used to consist merely of a five-by-eight foot enclosure with a two-seat bench, a stark contrast to the recent MAPS 4 upgrades. With the completion of these improvements, more than half of EMBARK's over 1,300 transit stops will not just be ADA-accessible but also furnished with a shelter. “We are pleased to report progress on Phase 1 of the MAPS 4 bus stop improvement project,” EMBARK Director Jesse Rush stated on the City of Oklahoma City, underscoring the organization's pledge to escalate accessibility and safety across the public transit system.
