Homemade bus stop benches spark debate in Wilmington

1 hour ago

Bryan Alonso,

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Rainy weather has highlighted a common complaint among Wilmington bus riders: many bus stops don’t have a place to sit while waiting. Now, more than 30 bright pink, handmade benches have appeared at bus stops across the city. While they provide riders with seating, they’ve also sparked debate over whether they should be there.

The benches were installed by the Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America to draw attention to what the group says is a lack of seating at many WAVE Transit bus stops.

However, city and transit officials say the benches were installed without the required permits or authorization.

WAVE Transit Executive Director Mark Hairr said the agency understands the need for additional seating but does not have the authority to remove the benches. Any decision to remove them would fall to the City of Wilmington and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

“We really care about our passengers, in terms of their amenities,” Hairr said. “We are behind. We can’t make up for the number of years of not having amenities installed, but we are making it a priority right now, and I think that shows with the project right now with up to 40 shelters and benches going in.”

The Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America said in a statement that the group is working with WAVE Transit and the Wilmington City Council to find a solution.

“ILM-DSA is currently engaged in discussions with WAVE and City Council to find a solution that allows riders access to seating while waiting for public transit. We realize there is a bit of debate going around between who is ultimately responsible for the allocation of funds, construction, and maintenance of bus stop benches and shelters in the city. But the truth is unchanged: this is a service that Wilmington needs, and there is enough money to do it.” the statement said.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said it has not received any requests for the benches to be installed on state right-of-way.