Rhody Express Bus Shelter Replacement Project

The City of Florence, in partnership with Lane Transit District (LTD), has received a State Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) discretionary grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to replace several deteriorated Rhody Express bus shelters throughout the city.

The grant provides $60,000 in funding, with the City contributing a $15,000 local match through an in-kind contribution of labor, equipment, and supplies. This combined effort will support the purchase and installation of six new bus shelters and amenities at key locations where existing infrastructure has been heavily degraded by the coastal environment.

The current shelters, originally installed in 2010 through a previous LTD grant, have experienced significant corrosion and wear due to the harsh marine climate. In contrast, the new shelters are constructed from durable aluminum, which is better suited to withstand the coastal conditions and provide long-term service with less maintenance.

These new shelters will offer covered, designated waiting areas that protect transit riders from inclement weather and provide seating for those who cannot stand for long periods. We believe this project will enhance rider comfort and safety—key factors that can encourage greater use of public transportation within our community.

The six shelter locations slated for replacement are:

8th Street – South side near Safeway

43rd & Oak Street – West side of Oak Street at 43rd

21st Street – South side at Grocery Outlet

Oak Street – West side at the Middle School

Spruce Street – East side between 21st and 22nd Streets

Peace Health Peace Harbor Hospital* – Near the 380 building

The new shelters were purchased from Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE), an organization that, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Corrections, promotes public safety by providing work and training opportunities to adults in custody. The shelters were assembled at OCE’s Salem facility, disassembled and were delivered to Public Works at the end of June.

Installation will begin shortly, with City crews handling the removal of the old shelters and the installation of the new ones. This labor, along with necessary equipment and materials, constitutes the City’s in-kind match to fulfill the local funding requirement of the STIF grant.

This project will significantly improve some of the most severely deteriorated bus shelters in Florence and will allow our community to take renewed pride in the Rhody Express—our local transit service. We're excited to move forward with this much-needed upgrade and appreciate the continued support from LTD and ODOT.

* The shelter at Peace Health Peace Harbor Hospital was purchased by the developer from Elm Park as a condition of their land use approval.