Philadelphia Transit Shelters Get Modernized, Thx 2 @intersection_co
The City of Philadelphia unveiled the first of 600 new, modern transit shelters to be built citywide over the next five years through its partnership with Intersection, New York-based technology and media company that won a competitive bid for the project.
The replacement of existing shelters and installation of 282 new shelters throughout the city comes at no cost to taxpayers and is expected to generate $100 million in new City revenue through advertising over the course of a 20-year agreement.
“This is a triple win for transit in our great city,” says Mayor Michael Nutter. “It’s a win for our bus and trolley riders who deserve new shelters; it’s a win for city taxpayers who will not pay a dime for these new amenities and at the same time will benefit from the revenue they generate; and it’s a win for the Office of Transportation & Utilities which succeeded in getting this project off the ground with a competitive bid process.”
Mayor Nutter, joined by Darrell Clarke, Council president (5th District), Jeff Knueppel, general manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), and officials from Intersection, unveiled the first of the new shelters at a ribbon-cutting event Wednesday morning (Nov. 18. 2015) at Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Broad Street. The new shelters are funded without taxpayer dollars through a minimum $12 million investment by Intersection.
L-R: Denise Goren, MOTU; Scott Goldsmith, Intersection; Mayor Nutter; Councilman Clarke; Jeff Knueppel , SEPTA
Intersection commissioned local architecture firm DIGSAU to design the new shelters, which enhance the streetscape with a streamlined, contemporary silhouette that allows natural light to filter in. Transit riders benefit from new glass roof overhangs that provide protection from the elements, energy efficient LED lighting to ensure safety, and the addition of a bench for added comfort while waiting for buses to arrive. The new design also features an American Disabilities Act-accessible entry point from the sidewalk, creating a safer and more accessible transit experience.
“City riders have the first-hand knowledge of where shelters are most needed, so we have asked them to provide input about where the new shelters should go,” says Denise Goren, director of the Mayor’s Office of Transportation & Utilities (MOTU). “Citizens can vote on up to 10 locations at the site www.phillytransitshelters.com. So far, 1,913 votes have been cast.”
There are two digital ads per panel on the transit shelters. While today the ads are static, the shelters have been designed to allow for the incorporation of new technologies and capabilities in the future. The advertising is being sold by Intersection.
“Philadelphia is not just growing, we are evolving,” says Clarke. “These new bus shelters meet a need among Philadelphians who want more and better mass transit options, and it is fitting that we are celebrating them in a section of North Philadelphia that’s on the rise. I am grateful to the multiple private and public sector partners who are investing in the future of our city.”
Scott Goldsmith, president of media, Intersection, says, “This partnership is a win-win for the City, its people, and the regional economy, aligning with Intersection’s mission to help cities transform physical assets into valuable public services and platforms for revenue generation. We remain committed to Philadelphia and to continuous enhancements that improve the transit experience, drive new revenue to fund civic services, and showcase the City’s vibrant identity to residents and visitors from around the world.”
Knueppel says, “SEPTA is pleased to work in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and be part of the launch of their new transit shelter program. Offering enhanced customer amenities and dedicated space for SEPTA route map and service information, these shelters will raise the profile of transit and make it easier for long time customers and first time riders to make decisions on the best SEPTA route for their travel needs.”
Intersection is a technology and media company dedicated to improving the urban experience. Intersection is the result of a merger between Control Group and Titan, key members of the team behind LinkNYC, the groundbreaking project to turn payphones into urban information hubs. The company is owned by a consortium of investors led by Sidewalk Labs.
Categories: DailyDOOH Update
