August 5, 2025 | Posted In Bus Stop and Transit Shelters, News, Solar Solutions
Tolar Manufacturing delivers 20 Sunset shelters and amenities for Santa Maria’s Broadway Corridor
Corona, CA — 20 new Sunset bus shelters have been delivered and installed as part of an agreement between Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) and Tolar Manufacturing, North America’s leader in the design and fabrication of award-winning transit shelters. The new 12-foot shelters feature solar-powered security lighting, perforated-metal benches, custom SMRT branding, and other customized amenities, including real-time information displays at 10 locations, trash receptacles and perforated benches. The shelters and related amenities were purchased using the CALACT/MBTA procurement option, a purchasing solution developed by Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) with the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT). The contract was awarded to Tolar Manufacturing in response to a solicitation for proposals.
The 20-stop upgrade is part of a new street furniture program with the goal of improving the mobility experience for residents and visitors to the Santa Maria area. This high-traffic corridor serves as a backbone for local transit in Santa Maria, connecting residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and small businesses. Upgrading shelters along Broadway not only improves rider comfort and visibility but also signals the City’s continued investment in equitable and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
“We were pleased to work with the City of Santa Maria and Transit Services Manager, Gamaliel Anguiano, on a street furniture program designed to enhance the mobility experience for residents and visitors,” said Patrick Merrick, Executive Vice President for Tolar Manufacturing Company. “We manufacture durable and comfortable bus stops that contribute to a more accessible public space that supports local economic vitality and encourages continued investment in the region.” The Sunset shelters feature a 12-foot wide radius roof design with a nominal 12-foot by 5-foot dripline along a fully welded roof structure with custom SMRT branding on the shelter roof and rear fascia. Amenities include 80W roof-mounted solar panels with integrated battery storage, powering the RMS80F Solar Lighting System, which provides under-roof dusk-to-dawn security lighting with 5-day minimum autonomous operation through an 8W LED light fixture. New stops are also outfitted with standard 8-foot perforated metal benches and 20-gallon shelter mounted trash receptacles for rider comfort and convenience. 10 locations will also include real-time information displays. Adjustable leveling shoes are protected by spun escutcheon shoe covers. The amenities are finished in a durable baked powder coat selected from Tolar’s RAL color chart.
