Sarasota SCAT shelters removed after ad contract ends

Sixteen Sarasota County Area Transit bus shelters in the city of Sarasota are being replaced after the city terminated its contract with Lamar Advertising, the company that owns the shelters. The city hopes to replace the shelters by 2012.

The city had contracted with Lamar in 2000 to install 50 shelters at SCAT bus stops, but Lamar only installed 19 shelters during the 10-year term of the contract.

The Sarasota's contract with Lamar expired in October, giving Lamar until April 16, 2011 to remove the shelters and return the property to its original condition. On April 18, the city informed Lamar of its intention to remove the advertising from the shelters.

SCAT service will continue uninterrupted service at the existing locations while SCAT continues to develop a request for proposal to replace the shelters.

The plan to replace the shelters will be based on ridership data, availability of funding and right-of-way feasibility.