Henry County is applying for study funds to look at bus stop signage, design and access. The study would correspond to an upcoming new bus route the county is planning.
Last year, Henry County received federal funds to launch a new bus route. The county formally accepted these funds in January. The proposed route connects McDonough and Stockbridge.
Bus Stop Study
Every year, the Atlanta Regional Commission accepts applications for its Livable Centers Initiative program. The LCI program encourages local governments to look at improving walkability, biking and transit access. The program looks specifically at downtown areas and high-capacity transit stops.
This year, the Henry County Transportation Planning Department is seeking funds for a bus stop study. The county commissioners approved this request at the March 7 meeting. The proposed study would cost $125,000. If ARC selects Henry County’s proposal, then federal funds would cover 80% of the costs. This amounts to $100 thousand. The local dollars would be $25,000.
The proposed study seeks to develop the upcoming bus route to a more transit-friendly corridor by achieving the following:
- designing bus stops, bus stop signs, bus stop shelters, landscape, sidewalks and crosswalks to make bus stops more accessible and attractive,
- identify locations to install flashing beacon lights to slow down vehicles to access bus more safely, and
- many other ideas under the concept called “transit creative placemaking.”
The proposed route connects McDonough and Stockbridge. Notable locations along the route include downtown McDonough, the county offices on Henry Parkway, Piedmont Henry Hospital and downtown Stockbridge. Available federal funding will pay for three years to operate the new route.
Henry County will learn later this spring whether ARC selects its bus stop study. The award announcement will occur in either April or May 2023.
Featured image shows the Clayton County Justice Center Transit Hub. Mass Transit Magazine photo.
Be the first to comment