Solar Shelter is shining example of passenger care

The latest bus shelter in the Highlands is also a first in the area. Located at Milton of Culloden, Inverness, the shelter is equipped with solar roof panels that provide power for a light.

The shelter has been provided by HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, in response to requests by a number of local residents and will encourage people to take advantage of recent improvements made to the bus services passing the stop en-route to the city centre.

HITRANS has provided more than 250 shelters at bus stops, railway stations and ferry terminals throughout the Highlands and Islands. A handful of shelters in Argyll and the Orkney Isles already boast solar powered lighting and the development has been very popular.

HITRANS Chairman Cllr Charlie King said: "Personal safety and security are important considerations for anyone travelling by public transport and HITRANS recognises a journey begins from the moment people leave home. It is crucial to provide good quality facilities at bus stops to encourage people to travel by bus and the light will make passengers feel more comfortable travelling after dark."

The solar panels charge a battery that is secured within one of the shelter legs. To minimise the amount of power used, LED energy efficient lighting is utilised. The light is activated by a motion sensor that triggers when a passenger approaches the shelter and it will remain on while someone is waiting in the shelter.

Since April 2003, HITRANS has received more than £10 million from the Scottish Executive to improve the Highlands and Islands transport network. The Scottish Executive has allocated £35million to allow the new regional transport partnerships to deliver capital projects from April 2006. HITRANS will receive a share of this funding based on the geographical area and population of the Highlands and Islands.