Hah, this is the MBTA we're talking about, they can't lay down trolley lines without spending billions. Heated bus stops are out of the question!
We're not even getting signals at the at-grade crossings of the busway until the final phase of this project, which service will be running for a while before that happens. I'd rather have signals than heated stops.
Truthfully I'm not even sure if we are or are not getting them because most of the documents I have are not granular enough to talk about them (but I will re-read to make sure). But considering this is a 'cost conscious' project, any extras probably wouldn't happen.
And FK4, I'm actually opposed to the heaters if we do get them. Why? Because I already feel that these stops are going to be havens for homeless and drug users that Chelsea have such a problem with. Let's not give them a reason to totally camp out at here all night by providing them heated rooms.
And sadly, I do think it's gonna be a problem along with graffiti. The busway is in a un-used rail bed. Many portions, such as the stretch between Bellingham Street and Broadway, abut an industrial area are on one side and residential on the other. Other areas, such as around Eastern Ave Station can be pretty empty after 10pm (except for the occasional Route 55 drop off to the Massport garage).
And even around Chelsea Station near Market Basket.. after the store closes at 9, there's little activity over that way except for hotel traffic and people using Everett Ave as the bypass to/from 16.
I think Bellingham Sq Station will be the worst offender since it really isn't near any residential (except across the tracks where the current CR station is). And it will have a staircase that will connect to Washington Ave (for easy access to the 111 and the square itself) to bring folks right to the platform. PLUS, like many of the vagrants that hang in Bellingham Sq (you know, the real square, that is 1/4 of a mile away from the station!) all hang there because of the methadone clinic on Clark Ave. (they either get intercepted by opiate dealers in the square on their way to the Methadone Clinic so they don't need their daily dose from the clinic, and/or get their dose but need to get high so they look for benzi's in the square after) And they'll need a place to shoot up or nod off.. and these stops are secluded, yet close enough to make them attractive for illicit activities. (much like the church at the end of my street... I wish I had a dollar for every time a group was all shooting up on the steps under the covered steps, I'd be rich. Happens almost daily now)
But the saving grace is that the entire length of the busway will be very well lit all the times. That might deter some since it's not good for sleeping or being discreet. And, of course, as TOD happens over time, the solitude of these stations after dark will happen less and less (hopefully!)
This is a good question to bring up to the Project Manager whenever we do our walk around. I know there was some discussion about the Shared Use path in early meetings and it was said that CPD along with TPD would assist with patrolling (yeah right)
But I'm curious to know how the stations will be dealt with specifically (if at all) or will I get the standard "Transit Police will help" reply. I'm also curious to know, as most of the documents I have do not explain enough in detail about security cameras and/or if these stations would be apart of the MBTA's vast CCT system. Although I tend to think not, as many outdoor stations like on the Green Line do not have cameras. But it's a new station so they may put them in anyways, but it's a "cost-conscious project" sooo who knows!
