The Owensboro Transit System (OTS) will soon be upgrading its bus shelters with the installation of solar-powered lights. The bidding process has already begun, and officials with OTS said they plan to install 37 solar panels and lights in each of the city’s bus shelters by fall.
Transit Manager Pamela Canary said the new lighting system will make the public transit process safer and more efficient for both bus drivers and riders.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our system, especially in that safety aspect,” Canary said.
Currently, bus shelters across the city are only lighted by streetlights. The amount of light shed on bus shelters varies, depending on how far each shelter is located from the nearest streetlight.
At night, some of the less-lit stops make it nearly impossible for OTS drivers to see whether anyone is waiting for a ride, Canary said. These lights will give drivers the ability to ensure nobody is passed up along each route.
In addition to the 32 current bus shelters, the project will provide solar-powered lighting at the five additional bus shelters that are slated to be built.
According to Canary, the solar light fixtures are known for their longevity and are intended for public use, so they can’t be easily damaged.
Canary said OTS has completed a successful test trial of the solar-powered lights at the bus shelter located near the intersection of Frederica and Ford streets. She said over the last year, that lighting system has proven to make public transit an easier, more efficient process for everyone.
“The lights work well and stay lit from dusk to dawn,” Canary said. “The (Federal Transit Administration) has a push for sustainability. With solar energy, there’s no extra costs involved. We might have minor maintenance from time to time, but it’s much cheaper to do it this way.”
OTS is hoping a contract will be awarded this spring. The product could take 8-12 weeks to be ordered and delivered before installation begins.
