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Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan – 2007/2008 Update City of South Bend Division of Community Development 15 BUS SHELTERS Truth be told, the presence of bus shelters in the City of South Bend, let alone Mishawaka Avenue is extremely limited. Nevertheless, the Avenue is already home to one of these citywide shelters, located to the North of IUSB campus and adjacent to the former Greenlawn Intersection (Photo 8). The reasons for such a low population of shelters are somewhat speculative, including: route efficiency, low rider ship, and reticence by property owners to assume maintenance responsibilities. Nevertheless, the committee felt that by partnering with TRANSPO to determine locations and solicit funding, locating shelters on the Avenue would provide options for existing mass transit users, while potentially encouraging new rider ship buy offering a safe, weather-resistant location. Adding shelters to Mishawaka Avenue also provided the opportunity to showcase Mishawaka Avenue as a pioneer in this field and encourage other areas in the City of South Bend to follow it’s lead. TRANSPO routes operate on a non-designated stop system, where riders may be picked up anywhere along a designated route by “flagging down” a passing bus. This route system theoretically allows all potential riders to be located no more than 2 blocks from a bus route and/or stop. By working with TRANSPO to determine those blocks along Mishawaka Avenue with highest rider ship within Route 9 (Map 2) potential locations were first selected strategically to meet existing demands. The addition of shelters would not be purely functional. They could also be used to further compliment the identity of the avenue though place making. There are several design and color options that could serve to compliment the existing lights, benches, and bike racks. It’s anticipated the capacity of the shelter would need to be no more than 3-4 persons and/or access for a single wheelchair. Once again, maintenance was the key question to be answered when the committee began bus shelter discussions. These shelters would take on a high profile given their size and stature. During stakeholder discussions, TRANSPO acknowledged vandalism could not be ignored and conveyed the challenge and costs involved to combat the issue. TRANSPO also admitted that Plexiglas panel damage was the most prevalent problem in their shelters. Research Target Date – 2010 Funding Request -- $25,000 Location/Scope: 2 Shelters Improvement Sector: Central Photo 8: Existing Bus Shelter North of IUSB Photo 9: Northeast corner of 30th Street - proposed location for new bus shelter