The San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors awarded a contract to CBS Outdoor Inc. to replace its bus shelters, free of cost, in exchange for the opportunity to post advertising in them. The deal could save the district millions in maintenance costs and generate as much as $9 million over the life of the 15-year contract.

The agency intends to replace all of the existing 202 shelters over the next three years. Many of the shelters, some of which are 30 years old, have reached the end of their useful life.

The new shelters will be equipped with seats, interior lights and a place to post SamTrans information. “We hope to have the first 50 shelters installed within the first year,” said Marketing Manager Patrick Boland.

The contractor also will maintain the new shelters, which includes sweeping, cleaning up garbage, emptying the trash, window washing and repairs.

A single ad will be posted on one end of the shelter so as not to interfere with the passenger’s ability to see the bus coming. Ads for alcohol and tobacco will not be allowed.

The contract is structured much like the district’s contract for advertising on the exterior of its buses, which also is handled by CBS Outdoor. Bus-side advertising has generated $11 million in revenue over the last five years.

The San Mateo County Transit District manages the SamTrans fixed-route bus and Redi-Wheels paratransit services; administers Caltrain rail service which is governed by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board; operates a shuttle program; and is a partner in operating the BART-SFO extension.

The transit district also manages the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, which administers the proceeds of Measure A, a countywide half-cent sales tax. Measure A provides capital funds for Caltrain, grade separation projects, and street and highway improvement projects. It also provides funding for Redi-Wheels.

02/23/06 - crd