New Bristol bus stops costing £75,000 each are sparking outrage, drawing comparisons to local property prices.
The city should install them between July and next April. These new shelters aim to make buses more appealing. They hope real-time info will help riders. Knowing when buses arrive is helpful.
Bristol transport bosses are defending the cost. They want shelters that are very high quality. Councilors heard about the plan on February 6.
One councilor criticized the high price. He said homes cost less than that in Bristol. He thinks spending that much is wasteful. It’s like paying more for a stop than a flat in Hanham, he said.
The project comes from a special fund. The government provides this money. Bristol must use all of it by March 2027. Some council members defend the spending anyway.
One councilor described waiting at a bus stop. She saw an older woman waiting with no shelter. The bus was delayed and provided no information. The money would be well spent, she feels.
Another council member agrees bus stop investment is good. He noted improvements to public space are important. Not everyone wants a flat in Hanham. These upgrades are a good thing.
Other costs contribute to the total price. New kerbs, drains, and paving are needed. Quality shelters chosen by the city add to the bill.