The San Francisco Muni lines, which already operate a range of eco-conscious vehicles (including more than 300 zero emission trolleybuses and 86 hybrid electric transit buses at 19% reduced fuel consumption), are taking energy-efficiency beyond the transit vehicles themselves.  The city plans to introduce 360 new solar-powered bus stops by the year 2013.

In less than four years from now, these state-of-the-art bus stops will feature solar panel rooftops that power Wi-Fi routers and interactive information panels around the city.  With a citywide wireless network, stay busy on your laptop while you wait for your bus to arrive.  Lost?  Need info?  No need to fret with city information available at the touch of your fingertips.

In addition, the new bus stops will use LED lighting, which operates at four and a half times the efficiency of traditional fluorescent lighting (74.4 watts as opposed to 336 watts).

The new bus stops are estimated to generate 43,000 kWh per year into the city’s electric grid (that’s enough to power 438,775 17-inch iMacs per year).  However, they won’t come cheap.  Each bus stop will cost around $30,000.  Clear Channel Outdoor, contracted with San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), will install and maintain the stops and be responsible for the costs, but will reserve the right to sell ad space.

Who would’ve thought, bus stops with Wi-Fi, interactive information boards, and solar power?  Now, if only the bus lines ran on time…

(photo credit:  Popular Mechanics, September 2009)