Bus stop benches at center of Thursday’s Wave Transit meeting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A lack of seating at bus stops is expected to be a key topic Thursday as the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority considers possible upgrades to stops across Wilmington.

The meeting comes weeks after the Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America built, painted and placed about 30 wooden benches at bus stops around the city.

The group said the effort was intended to highlight what it considers a lack of seating for the thousands of people who rely on public transportation each day.

“These benches cost the city nothing but they provide dignity, kindness, grace and mercy to our citizens,” Wilmington resident Jordan Reed said. “Bus riders are not them, they are our neighbors. There is no us and them here, there is only us. Please, let’s give our neighbors a place to sit.”

Some of the benches placed by the DSA included political messages. Days after they were installed, photos posted online showed members of the Cape Fear Proud Boys taking a bench outside the Market Street YMCA and repainting it with the message, “Socialism is slavery.”

New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise criticized both groups and said political organizations should not be placing what he described as political propaganda on public streets.

“I don’t want the DSA or the Proud Boys being involved in this business,” Scalise said. “I don’t think that it’s appropriate for them to be putting political propaganda out in our community, particularly on our public streets. We cannot stand for this. It’s not okay. Both of these organizations are extremists. We don’t need them building benches in our community.”

Thursday’s agenda includes a discussion about bus stop amenities, including plans to install 19 shelters and benches by the end of the year.

Wave Transit Executive Director Mark Hairr acknowledged that the agency needs to improve amenities for passengers.

“We really care about our passengers, in terms of their amenities. We are behind,” Hairr said. “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.”

Also on the agenda is a proposal to reactivate an Adopt-an-Amenity policy that would allow community-sponsored bus stop improvements.