Wilmington council member calls for case-by-case review of unauthorized bus benches

1 hour ago

Conor Doherty,

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington City Council member is calling for a case-by-case review of dozens of unauthorized bus benches installed throughout the city, saying some could ultimately be replaced with permanent seating planned by Wave Transit.

The comments come after more than 30 wooden benches were placed at bus stops across Wilmington by the Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America (ILM-DSA). The group said the project was intended to highlight what it considers a lack of seating at many Wave Transit bus stops.

Some of the benches include community-focused messages, while others feature political statements.

City and transit officials have said the benches were installed without the required permits and do not meet engineering, accessibility or safety standards required for placement in the public right of way.

Wilmington City Council member Salette Andrews said she believes each bench should be evaluated individually rather than treated the same.

“I think all of these benches need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis,” Andrews said. “Hopefully some of them are going to be the ones that Wave has already identified for replacement, and those will be replaced.”

Wave Transit Executive Director Mark Hairr said the agency understands the need for additional seating and is already working on plans to install more benches and bus shelters. He said Wave was not consulted before the benches were installed and emphasized that any seating must be placed in appropriate locations that comply with safety and accessibility requirements.

Hairr said Wave does not have the authority to remove the benches, but is continuing to work toward expanding seating for transit riders through its own planned improvements.

In a statement to WWAY, the Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America said, “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.”