I ♥ Scottsdale Bus Shelters

Photo by Scottsdale Public Art

Photo by Lisa E White

If you have to wait for a city bus, a nice shady shelter is available in several spots in Scottsdale.  Local artist Kevin S. Berry (see the Tributary Wall blog, Aug. 6) designed these weathered-steel shelters in downtown Scottsdale.  The upper pictured shelter, called "Wavelength," was built in 2005, located on Scottsdale Road just north of Indian School.  Inspired by water and desert motifs, the wire mesh provides shade and air flow.  The shelter has arm rests partly to discourage skateboarders from using the concrete bench, and includes a tilted trash bin, bike rack and free area for a wheelchair.  The lower picture of this bus shelter located on Goldwater Boulevard south of Camelback was also designed by Berry in 1995. The gabion cages (rock-filled) form columns holding this abstract sunset design.  But notice the sign, "No bus service at this location."  Mr. Berry is also designing shelters for the light rail in Phoenix.  Conservative groups have been lobbying to keep light rail out of Scottsdale, stating our bus service is sufficient.  Bus 72 takes 50 minutes to go from Thunderbird Road down Scottsdale Road to the Tempe light rail.  By 2015, a "rapid bus" will make the journey during rush hours, stopping only once a mile, which could save 10-15 minutes.  See article from The Republic June 26:  Sticking to buses over light rail