Essex County Council partners with Clear Channel UK for innovative bus shelter contract
New contract will see Clear Channel UK revive roadside bus infrastructure in the county.
Bus shelters across Essex will be upgraded thanks to a new contract designed to create a bus shelter network that is fit for the future.
Following a competitive tender process, Essex County Council has entered into a 10-year partnership with Clear Channel UK for the maintenance, install and upkeep of shelters across the county.
The council will invest £3 million in year one of the contract to buy new bus shelters from Clear Channel.
The programme will begin from late August with the initial focus on shelters where a request has been on hold for several years or managed by a previous supplier.
This will be followed by a comprehensive programme to upgrade and expand bus infrastructure across Essex.
Newly replaced bus shelters will include features such as seating, motion sensor lighting, space for prams and wheelchairs, and timetables. Some will also include digital real-time information screens and advertising panels.
The TravelEssex website now hosts an interactive map which shows which shelters are to be replaced and when during the first year of the new contract. This will be updated periodically and in time it will include the timetable for future years.
Under the contract, Clear Channel will maintain all shelters as well as install and sell advertising at locations agreed by Essex County Council.
The revenue generated from shelter advertising will provide a guaranteed income to the council. This will be invested back into improving the bus infrastructure network.
As part of this arrangement, Essex County Council has entered into a Collaboration Agreement with ten district, borough, and city councils within the county. This collaboration brings the bus shelter estate across these areas together, with Essex County Council becoming the owner of most shelters in Essex.
Parish councils, developers and other organisations will also be able to purchase shelters via Essex County Council to help create a consistent bus shelter estate across Essex.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “This exciting contract will allow Essex County Council to bring much needed new and improved bus shelters and infrastructure to the county. It will also mean using a bus will become easier and more accessible as the existing facilities are upgraded.
“By harnessing the advertising revenues available, we will also be able to replace council money with commercial funding, future proofing the service and providing value for money for Essex taxpayers.
“By creating better infrastructure and a more welcoming environment for bus users, we hope to see more people using bus services, encouraging sustainable transport choices to support our aim of creating a Safer, Greener, Healthier Essex.”
Will Ramage, Managing Director at Clear Channel, said: “This innovative contract marks a significant step forward for Essex’s public transport infrastructure. We’re not only enhancing and modernising the shelter network across Essex, but we’re also demonstrating our commitment to creating sustainable and community-focused advertising solutions.
“By leveraging our expertise in infrastructure maintenance with innovative advertising opportunities, we want to foster a more inviting and efficient public transport system that encourages sustainable travel choices and supports the council’s vision."