Benicia to receive transit money

Benicia to receive transit money
By Tony Burchyns/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 07/14/2009

BENICIA -- The city will receive $132,000 to replace 12 bus stops and upgrade a fueling station, city officials said Monday.

The money is part of federal Recovery Act funding for California transit projects.

Bus shelters with Plexiglas that has been damaged by excessive graffiti will be replaced. Also, the city will upgrade its current fueling station by retrofitting the existing gasoline pump with new hoses and nozzles, a recovery tank system and installation of a fuel-island roof to meet state requirements, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"We already had plans for replacing two of the bus shelters," Finance Director Rob Stout said. "This allows us to make all of our bus stops much more attractive."

A portion of the grant will pay for new gas-pump hoses and other improvements at the city's fueling station on East Second Street.

Contracts for the work are expected to be awarded by December.

The city's bus service, Benicia Breeze, operates within Benicia and offers regional routes between Vallejo and Contra Costa County.

A possible consolidation with Vallejo Transit is under review, Sousa said. The two agencies already pool resources, including grants for new bus shelters and other repairs.

Meantime, Benicia is putting off repairs to its aging bus yard as the possibility of a merger is researched.

Contact staff writer Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@thnewsnet.com or 553-6831.