Edmond hops on new plans for bus stops
For The Oklahoman
EDMOND — After removing most of the city’s bus benches and shelters, city officials are working to replace them and are expected to make money from the changes.
“This is going to be a win-win for the City of Edmond,” said Zoorosh Zahrai, Edmond Transportation Committee board member.
Edmond’s Public Transportation Department will receive at least $12,000 a year from advertisements when the new benches and shelters are in place, which are expected to be done by Tyler Media of Oklahoma City at no cost to the city.
Tyler Media would also pay 10 percent of the revenue to the city if the advertising revenue the company receives is greater than the base amount of $12,000.
“This is a vendor who has a track record of doing great work,” said Board Member Victoria Caldwell.
The company will also be required to pay for concrete pads, the benches and shelters, and any upkeep and maintenance that is required.
Construction on the project could begin in July if the Edmond City Council approves the contract. Public Transit coordinator Susan Miller said the contract should be ready in May for a vote.
Once approved, Tyler Media would begin ordering and preparing the sites that will be selected by the contractor and the committee. There will no longer be benches located at street corners, Miller said.
Construction should only take a month or two and be finished by the end of summer.
Not every one of the 109 Citylink bus stops will have a bench or shelter. The specific design and costs of the project are unknown, although Tyler Media will pay all costs.
The former benches and shelters were showing their age, according to Miller. Only Tyler Media responded to her request for proposals.
Tyler Media was selected by the board to put in about 45 benches or shelters, with most being benches.
The company will be required to remove any graffiti within 48 hours at no cost to the city, and any repairs will be fixed within 72 hours, unless parts are needed.
Every five years the board would review the contract with Tyler Media to discuss any changes that could be made.
Mitch Ownbey of Tyler Media said the company has had great success in Norman and Oklahoma City. Tyler media has contracts with both cities to provide bus benches and shelters.