Dundee City Councillors were advised this afternoon of electrical faults affecting about 70 bus shelters across the city. The Head of Transportation wrote :"Dundee City Council has been advised that an electrical fault has developed in a significant number of the bus shelters (as a result of moisture getting into the electrics). We have been told by external contractors that there is a small risk that this fault could cause a danger to members of the public. As a precaution, we have taken the decision to switch off the power at these sites - at least until the full extent of the problem is known. Currently about 70 of our 330 RTI displays are not working.
Colleagues from the Street Lighting have offered to assist the Sustainable Transport Team in assessing the problem - and hopefully finding a solution.
Please be assured that this issue is receiving our attention as we know that many members of the travelling public rely on these electronic displays for their travel information. Until the issue is resolved, passengers will still be able to use the paper-based information that should be displayed at all our bus stops and bus shelters."
Clearly the council is right to switch off power where there could be any risk whatsoever to the public, but I have asked the Head of Transportation questions about the cost of repair and if this covered by supplier warranty guarantees or if the council will have to pick up the cost.
I have also sought details of the number of shelters and locations in the West End Ward.