Green Bus Benches Debut
August 01, 2009
The metro’s bus benches are getting a green makeover.
Close to 400 new bus benches are popping up on public property at posted stops where buses pick up and drop off on a regular basis. The new versions are more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly, said Dennis Bryers, a park planner with the City of Omaha Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Property.
The concrete legs and seat of each bench are made with 20% recycled coal ash. “That means less coal ash – the byproduct of burning coal – is deposited in our landfills,” Bryers said. “Also, using ash in the mix means it uses far less water.” The rebar used in the legs and seat of each bench is made from recycled rebar. The material used to create the bench backboard and footer board is “Evolve,” a product made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. This material eliminates rotting, splinters, fading and cracking.
Every four years, the city solicits bids for the installation, maintenance and management of bus stop benches, said Bryers, who oversees the process. The new vendor, Best Buy Signs, is responsible for the cost of the new benches. No tax dollars are used for the construction and maintenance of the benches. The vendor receives revenue from companies that advertise on the benches and pays the city an annual fee for the right to be the sole company that provides, maintains and manages the benches.
The older wooden bus benches will be removed in the coming weeks.
Are the new greener benches more comfortable? You be the judge. Visit Metro Area Transit for bus schedules and other information.