The Ocala City Council will consider a $227,065 contract to purchase 15 bus shelters across the city to protect SunTran passengers from the elements.
The purchase will be presented to the council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 7.
According to a report prepared by city staff, SunTran has proposed the purchase of 15 bus shelters from Tolar Manufacturing Company, a California-based company.
The purchase is being made using the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s contract with Tolar, which has agreed to extend the exact price to the city of Ocala.
The purchase includes 15, 10-foot radius roof transit shelters and related accessories. JTA’s contract with Tolar for transit shelters, amenities and outdoor equipment was awarded on December 2, 2019, for a term of 5 years with a single 5-year renewal option.
According to the city staff report, Tolar was selected after it submitted the lowest responsive bid ($227,065) and was determined to be the most “cost-effective option.”
In comparison, Michigan-based Brasco International submitted a bid of $242,250, and Michigan-based Duo-Guard Industries submitted a bid of $280,190, according to city staff.
Staff has identified locations across the area using criteria such as ridership trends, physical placement constraints using SunTran’s bus stop guidance, and the geographic distribution of stop locations to ensure shelters are provided throughout the service area.
The proposed list includes multiple hot spots across the city including Ocala City Hall, Six Gun Plaza, Gaitway Plaza, HCA Florida Maricamp Emergency, and Marion County Parks and Recreation, among others.
The staff report indicates that funding for the bus shelters does not require a local match and will be paid for from one of the city’s grant accounts.
The Ocala City Council next meets on Tuesday, October 7, at Ocala City Hall at 4 p.m.