NJ's 1st Solar-Powered Bus Shelter Installed In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill is home to a new initiative introduced by NJ TRANSIT on Monday: a solar-powered bus shelter.

The bus shelter, located at a current bus stop at Rt. 70 and South Cornell Avenue in Cherry Hill, uses solar panels on its roof to harness the power of the sun to recharge a battery that operates the shelter’s lights at night, according to NJ TRANSIT.

It also includes USB charging ports, and was installed as part of a PILOT program. NJ TRANSIT will evaluate the performance of the shelter before determining if it will install additional shelters in other parts of the state.

“For years, this heavily used bus stop has had hardworking families waiting in the rain or the hot sun,” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Burlington/Gloucester) said. “There was no shelter. That is why I reached out to Cherry Hill and NJ TRANSIT, who have now answered the call. Now not only do we have a shelter, but it’s solar-powered – which means if mom’s phone is dead, and she’s running late, she can text or call her family and let them know. I’m very happy NJ TRANSIT was able to put this solar-powered bus shelter in place, moving them a step closer to its goal of zero emissions by 2040. It’s going to be added benefits like phone charging, or even something as simple as shade or a roof in the rain, that makes public transit a more attractive transportation option for Cherry Hill. Increasing public transit ridership will be important to meeting the challenge of climate change. Sustainable infrastructure will be vital to meeting our zero emissions goal. This bus shelter, as unassuming as it is, helps pull a lot of those threads together.”

“The construction of this solar-powered shelter marks an important step forward in both NJ TRANSIT and Cherry Hill Township’s shared dedication to supporting sustainability and smart renewable energy solutions,” NJ TRANSIT Board Member and Cherry Hill Township Councilwoman Sangeeta Doshi said. “Through this collaborative partnership, we are paving the way for a new generation of forward-thinking public transportation assets and services.”

The shelter is at a bus stop that serves NJ TRANSIT’s bus route No. 406, which makes stops at Berlin, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken and Camden en route to Philadelphia.

The No. 406 bus line averages about 800 customers per weekday, with about 50 to 60 customers using the Cherry Hill shelter.

“I am so proud to see this outstanding initiative come to life here in Cherry Hill, where NJ TRANSIT provides a vital lifeline for our residents, businesses, and the many people who work, shop and play in our Township,” Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said. “This is truly a win-win situation, as we collectively move forward on our efforts to support environmentally conscious initiatives while also providing the public with accessible, modern conveniences.”

“Township Council and I thank Congressman Norcross and NJ TRANSIT for their hard work and cooperation in turning this idea into a reality,” Cherry Hill Council President David Fleisher said. “This is a perfect example of what can happen when local, state and federal leaders join together, united in their focus on improving the quality of life of the people they serve. By bringing NJ TRANSIT’s first solar-powered shelter to Cherry Hill, we are able to provide an important amenity for the many people who rely on that stop daily, while also working to build a more sustainable infrastructure for us all.”

The new shelter was manufactured by HandiHut, and costs $11,900, nj.com reports. NJ TRANSIT will maintain the shelter.

It includes high intensity led lighting for visibility and safety, a two-port USB charging outlet and a motion sensor that conserves the battery and will automatically turn on/off depending on motion inside, according to NJ TRANSIT.

It is ADA accessible and measures 5’ x 10.’ A new 12’ x 12’ concrete pad was laid to accommodate the new shelter. The solar cap is waterproof and maintenance free.

“This is the latest initiative by NJ TRANSIT as part of Governor Murphy’s commitment to a sustainable, energy efficient transportation system,” NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “We are very pleased to partner with Cherry Hill on this innovative, first of its kind project for NJ TRANSIT.”