In 2019, a steering committee was created to guide the design of Tempe's new transit shelters in order to increase ridership and provide a new iconic Tempe identity for the transit system.   The group was made up of transit riders, bus drivers, community members and Arizona State University representatives. 

On August 20, 2020, the City Council supported the proposed design of the new shelters. Tempe’s goal is to have shade at every stop, whether it is from a shelter, tree or adjacent building.

There are currently 783 bus stops citywide of which 60% are without shelters, and 310 (40%) have shelters. The new designs provide options for varying site conditions, allowing placement at bus stops with limited right-of-way.

Sustainable features include:

• solar power
• consideration for local materials and fabrication
• modular design
• interchangeable parts for inventory control and reuse
• durability
• flexibility
• recyclability
• ease of assembly
• life cycle

More info on the shelters:

• First 4 "Micro" shelters were installed at
  • Westbound Broadway Road and Jen Tilly Lane
  • Westbound Broadway Road and Dorsey Lane
  • Southbound McClintock Drive and 8th Street
  • Northbound McClintock Drive and Don Carlos Avenue

• The new shelter designs include four different models (Micro, Small, Medium & Large), accommodating the smallest stop to the largest sites with high ridership. Tempe is focusing on the production of the Micro and Small shelter types, as they will fit the majority of vacant bus stops.

• Twenty shelters will be in place by the end of 2024. These include six shelters for new street improvements on Smith Road and on Fifth Street, and five shelters for new bus stops on Rio Salado Parkway. The plan is to install a minimum of 30 shelters per year starting in 2025.

• Tempe is dedicated to providing a comfortable, convenient, and sustainable public transportation system with shade at every bus stop. They have several key features designed to benefit both riders and the environment:
  • Increased Ridership: The shelters' design aims to encourage ridership by offering a more pleasant waiting experience.
  • Sustainable Features: Solar power, local materials, and a modular design with interchangeable parts prioritize sustainability and efficient resource management.
  • Maximum Shade: Tempe remains committed to its goal of shade at every stop, and these shelters offer significant sun protection.

   

• One of the primary challenges for shelter installations is the limited right of way available on most Tempe streets. Location of underground utilities, easements, driveways, fire hydrants and light poles require additional design to accommodate shelter pads. These new, adaptable designs cater to various locations, making them suitable for stops with limited space.

• The criteria for prioritizing shelter placement includes transit ridership, heat vulnerability, and the likelihood to use transit, including zero car households, poverty, racial and ethnic minority groups, employment, and disabled population by census tract.

• Cost of the shelters: Micro Shelter is $12,000; Small Shelter is $17,000.