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CRA approves $300,000 bus-shelter program and renews downtown trolley interlocal; shelters to include solar-powered benches and marketing space
Summary
The CRA approved a $300,000 budget line for new, larger, solar-powered bus shelters at nine priority stops and approved the interlocal agreement for the downtown trolley service; shelters will cost $25,000 each in this round and include CRA-branded marketing space.
The Fort Myers CRA approved installing new, larger bus shelters at prioritized stops in Cleveland, MLK and East Fort Myers neighborhoods and approved an interlocal agreement providing seasonal downtown trolley service.
CRA staff presented a map showing nine proposed "first-round" shelter sites (red markers) and contingency locations (blue markers). Staff said shelters are the Interlude Arch design with solar power, benches and ad boxes; the CRA paid $25,000 per shelter in the current plan. The CRA budget includes $300,000 for this initiative this fiscal year, which staff said would cover the initial nine sites and provide contingency for an additional installation if feasible.
Commissioners discussed siting near the redeveloped elementary school on Edison Avenue and asked staff to coordinate with LeeTran and the city’s community development and engineering departments to ensure rights of way and future roadway improvements are coordinated to avoid relocation. Staff said the shelters chosen this year were sites LeeTran could install most quickly and that further stops could be considered in future fiscal years.
On the downtown trolley, staff presented the existing interlocal arrangement among the CRA, the city and LeeTran for seasonal trolley service. Commissioners asked about ridership and cost efficiency; staff said ridership has dropped in recent years and that staff will evaluate on‑demand alternatives (e.g., Freebie) to determine the most cost-effective service model. The board approved the interlocal agreement and funding structure for the trolley for the season.
The motion to approve the bus-shelter funding and the interlocal for the trolley were both moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
