What's Happening in Columbia, MO…

Riders who use the bus system in Columbia will soon have additional shelters to use while they wait for their rides.

The city council recently told city staff members to go ahead with planning to locate a minimum of 18 bus shelters around Columbia. Most shelters will be sited along major roads like Stadium Boulevard, Broadway, and Worley Street, which are high-traffic areas.

The cost of each shelter is anticipated to be approximately $11,000, which includes the shelter structure and its concrete pad. Sidewalks and right-of-way purchases, however, could cost extra. A total of $570,000 has been budgeted for the construction of the shelters, with $375,764 coming from the Federal Transportation Administration, $100,000 from block grant funds for community development, and the final $93,941 taken from local transportation sales taxes.

Residents provided input to the council, with some expressing concerns, while others agreed the city needed more shelters. One resident, Alyce Turner, suggested making it easier for riders to get to Columbia Mall. City officials encouraged staff members to find the most economical way of pursuing the project.

When the project is underway, city officials might like to work with a brochure printing company on a mailer for residents that shows the locations of the new shelters, as well as existing routes, plus any bus routes that will change when the shelters are built.