A safe and convenient place to wait for the bus is a key to making transit an attractive option. That’s why North County Transit District (NCTD) has been making improvements on up to 200 bus shelters in the rural parts of North County .

The project is funded by a Caltrans award of $540,000 for rural bus stop improvements. County Supervisor Bill Horn also awarded NCTD a $350,000 Community Projects Award, for bus stop improvements in the unincorporated areas NCTD serves. NCTD is contributing $60,000 in matching funds for the Caltrans grant and another $200,000 annually for bus stop improvements all over the service region.

The minimum improvements at each stop include a compliant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concrete boarding pad, waiting bench, and trash can. Other improvements, such as solar lighting, retaining walls, paved bus pull-outs, and passenger shelters, are provided on some NCTD bus stops. NCTD hopes these improvements will help heighten the awareness of these facilities and encourage more residents to use them.

In a shining example of community partnership, the Rancho Santa Fe Association (RSFA) committed an additional $65,000 for the construction of four new shelters in their area. They feature the standard amenities, as well as a stucco and tile roof shelter designed in the classic Mission style.

On Thursday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at a new bus shelter in the 6200 block of Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, NCTD will recognize Supervisor Bill Horn for securing the Community Projects grant to fund rural bus stop improvements, while also acknowledging the Rancho Santa Fe Association (RSFA) for their partnership in helping fund the construction of the new shelters in their area.