Hampton reports 71 bus stops upgraded so far as HRT shelter program continues

Michael Bowery, public works administrator, told the council the City of Hampton and Hampton Roads Transit have completed upgrades to 71 bus stops under a tiered amenity program that adds benches, trash cans, solar‑powered lighting and shelters where right‑of‑way allows. "In total, 71 stops have been upgraded with either tier 1, tier 3, tier 4, or the bench and trash can amenity upgrades," Bowery said.

Bowery described the tiered options: Tier 1 is a 6‑by‑12 fully enclosed shelter with bench, roof and solar lighting (21 stops upgraded); Tier 3 offers a roof canopy and partial enclosure (41 stops); Tier 4 is a smaller roof structure (7 stops). He said shelter size depends on available right‑of‑way and subterranean utilities often prevent installation at some locations; where sidewalks and right‑of‑way exist, shelters provide lighting and perceived safety benefits for transit users. Council members focused on seniors' needs and asked whether roofed shelters provide meaningful protection from rain and wind; Bowery said the shelters protect from rain but may not fully stop sideways rain in high winds.

Bowery said current funds were targeted to HRT's backbone RTS routes (including routes 101 and 114) and that HRT is considering allocating additional funding so the city could upgrade more stops in feeder corridors. City staff said they will track HRT's funding decisions and report back if the authority broadens the eligible routes.