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Five iconic Canberra bus shelter bunkers are now shining bright throughout the night, the ACT government announced this week.
Five shelters in Mitchell have been fitted with solar lighting as part of a trial process.
Four shelters are along Hoskins Street and one is on Sandford Street.
Transport Canberra has worked with the Mitchell Traders Association and local business Solar4Life to install the solar lights which will provide Canberrans with greater security when travelling from Mitchell using bus route 18.
The font of all knowledge on the bus shelters, artist Trevor Dickinson, who has reproduced them on everything from calendars to coffee cups as well as writing the definitive coffee table book on the subject, Beautiful Bus Shelters of Canberra, has given the lit-up shelters his stamp of approval.
"I think they look amazing. It's so good that the shelters are being shown some love. I'll draw one when I'm next in town," Dickinson said.
He also made light of the lights taking so long to come to fruition.
"In Clem Cummings' 1974 original plans there was a provision for 'future light by others'. It's great that 47 years later the solar powered 'future lights' are finally here.
"Also on the plans was a translucent fibreglass dome vent. When these are installed on the roof, the Canberra bus shelters will be finished - sometime in 2068."
An ACT government spokesperson said the solar lights might be extended.
"The trial will continue for a number of months to determine the viability and longevity of the lights that have already been installed. As long as they remain operational, the five bus shelters will remain with the solar lights indefinitely," the spokesperson said.
"Other bus shelters may also have similar solar lighting at a later date subject to an evaluation of this current trial.
"Mitchell was chosen first as the five shelters were recently installed as part of the ongoing bus stop upgrades in the area. The ACT government also worked with the Mitchell Traders Association to improve accessibility and amenity of the bus stops."
Local business Solar4Life also assisted with the installation and choice of lighting required.
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