Tolar Manufacturing installs 12 custom bus shelters, UTC-branded totem signs in Jacksonville
Tolar Manufacturing Company has installed 12 new custom bus shelters and 12 custom UTC-branded totem signs in Jacksonville, Fla., through a collaboration between Balfour-Beatty US, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Tolar Manufacturing. The shelters and totems are part of JTA’s program, the Ultimate Urban Circulator, to introduce autonomous vehicles (AVs) into JTA’s transportation system, called Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI). Tolar Manufacturing was contracted by Balfour-Beatty US to produce the shelters and digital totem kiosks. Balfour-Beatty US is the design-build contractor for the NAVI project, providing the technology that powers the project.
“We’re proud to partner with Balfour-Beatty US and Jacksonville Transportation Authority to help usher in the future of autonomous public transit in the United States,” said Tolar Manufacturing Business Development Manager Scott Williams. “The journey begins at the stop, and these shelters are designed to make that first impression welcoming and engaging. By creating an inviting experience from the very start, we set the stage for riders to enjoy their entire journey on NAVI, making autonomous transit a trip worth looking forward to.”
The custom NAVI shelters feature custom-patterned frosted glass wall panels, featuring customized NAVI branding and ride details and a custom red arrow-shaped roof glass. The shelters are constructed with a steel frame and feature a fully welded structure for durability and stability and are finished in what the company calls a durable polyester powder coat color, Sparkle Silver, and an anti-graffiti clear coat. Shelter amenities include integrated LED lighting across the roof with electrical access in the center column, an electrical cabinet integrated into the roof and an integrated custom steel bench for rider comfort. Shelters are also equipped with the seven-foot-tall custom UTC totem kiosks for rider safety, information access and ease of communication.
The 12 custom UTC totem kiosks are a seven-foot standing “blade” design, which feature all aluminum construction and are finished in the same Sparkle Silver polyester powder coat color to match the shelters. The kiosks are equipped with full color 32-inchoutdoor LCD displays on both sides and a flush mount intercom for rider information and accessibility needs.