Bus stops in McCandless could get a little more hospitable if town officials make a deal with one of two advertising companies.
Heffner Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Advertising Company both have contacted McCandless officials about installing shelters, at no cost, at various Port Authority of Allegheny County bus stops in the town, said Bruce Betty, town zoning officer.
McCandless Council is expected to discuss the shelters during a 7:30 p.m. meeting March 10 in the town hall along Grubbs Road.
Betty said council likely will examine how the town would profit from such a deal and how to ensure that the shelters, which would include advertisements, would not turn into eyesores. Council members also will discuss whether such structures are permitted under town zoning ordinances, he said.
In recent years, similar projects across the region have helped give bus riders a dry place to wait and business owners another way to promote their products or services.
Barry Heffner, president of Pine-based Heffner Outdoor Advertising, said he is proposing 4-by-13-foot shelters that would include a bench and could accommodate six or seven people.
Heffner tentatively proposes 10 shelters. Possible sites include stops along McKnight Road and one at Showcase Cinema North at Blazier Drive.
Jim Vlasach, transit manager for Lamar Advertising in Pittsburgh, said Lamar has several sizes of shelters that could be used in a variety of locations.
In both cases, the companies would profit from the shelters by selling ads on the glass structures. McCandless would be paid a sum that has not been determined yet. The amount could be based on a cut of advertising revenue or a flat fee for each shelter. Both Vlasach and Heffner said their shelters would be cleaned regularly and kept free of graffiti.
Heffner said the shelters would make people more willing to take advantage of mass transit and help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
"I can see how it is a win-win for everybody," Heffner said. "It's a very nice amenity."
Vlasach said that because the shelters can have lighting, they also help increase safety at bus stops.
In North Fayette, where Heffner installed 20 shelters about two years ago, township Manager Robert Grimm said they largely have been a welcome addition. The township is to receive $110,000 over a 10-year contract, he said.
