PROVO -- Installation of new bus benches and shelters citywide is taking longer than expected as government red tape continues to slow the process.
"When you blend three government agencies it takes awhile," said Bob Stockwell, Provo chief administrative officer. "I think that's the root of the problem. The contractors are putting them up as soon as they can."Provo's bus benches and shelters were torn down in June as the city changed bus bench companies. Before the new contractor can put up any new bus benches, it faces regulation by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Utah Transit Authority. UDOT has domain over University Avenue, 500 West, 300 South and State Street -- all considered state highways.
Stockwell said that when the process is complete, Provo hopes to have 80 benches and about 47 shelters -- far more than it previously had. So far about 32 benches and 21 shelters have been put up, Stockwell said.
The city is getting the benches and shelters for free because Lamar Transit Advertising will have ads on most of them.