The End of the Line for Bus Bench Ads?

The City Council today will consider eliminating advertising on bus benches in areas where street beautification efforts are taking place.

The move would cost the city $100,000 in revenue this fiscal year. However, Outdoor Systems Inc. of Los Angeles, the advertising company, will give the city $100,000 worth of ad-free benches.

John Lower, traffic and transportation manager, said advertising on 60 to 150 bus benches could be eliminated.

These benches would be city-owned, Lower said. The number of benches provided by Outdoor Systems would depend on the style, design, color and quantity.

The city’s street beautification program along major corridors includes placing utility lines underground, adding landscaping, new signs and installing bus benches without advertising.

“We have had some complaints about the appearance of advertising on bus benches,” Lower said.

The city has 650 bus stops. About 130 have shelters and 300 have benches with advertising. Some low-ridership bus stops have no benches or shelters, and those with high ridership may have two benches and a shelter.

The council also will consider supporting the consolidation of nine county sanitation districts into one.

A study by the Sanitation Districts of Orange County concluded consolidation will result in a streamlined government process more understandable to the public, a reduction in the number of board members and an equalization of fees.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Information: (714) 254-5166.