We have signed a contract with Clear Channel UK for the maintenance, install and upkeep of bus shelters in Essex. This contract will last 10 years.
As part of this, we will invest £3 million in year one to buy new bus shelters. From late August, the new shelters will be installed.
This will be followed by a comprehensive programme to upgrade and expand bus infrastructure across Essex.
The new shelters will include features such as:
- seating
- motion sensor lighting
- space for prams and wheelchairs
- timetables
- digital real-time information screens and advertising panels
Residents can see which shelters will be replaced and when.
Clear Channel will maintain all shelters as well as install and sell advertising. The revenue generated will be invested in the bus infrastructure network.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said:
This exciting contract will allow Essex County Council to bring much needed new and improved bus shelters and infrastructure to the county. It will also mean using a bus will become easier and more accessible as the existing facilities are upgraded.
By harnessing the advertising revenues available, we will also be able to replace council money with commercial funding, future proofing the service and providing value for money for Essex taxpayers.
By creating better infrastructure and a more welcoming environment for bus users, we hope to see more people using bus services, encouraging sustainable transport choices to support our aim of creating a Safer, Greener, Healthier Essex.