not have access to sidewalks (Figure 16). Limited options for safe access to transit stops may be a contributing factor to no transit ridership in this area. Sidewalks are needed along the eastern side of US 41, particularly where transit users need to safely access bus stops from residential neighborhoods or nearby services.
Figure 16. Bus stops along US 41 Source: Google Maps
A closer look at the bus stops in Figure 16 reveals several other deficiencies limiting safe and comfortable transit use. Stops are generally located in the travel lane. Landing areas are adjacent to the roadway, increasing feelings of discomfort when in close proximity to high- speed traffic. The landing area at Apollo Beach Sweetbay North is grass, limiting access for some transit users including disabled and elderly persons. A concrete landing pad is provided at US 41 at Ellsberry Road, although it is in need of maintenance to reduce overgrown vegetation and repair uneven pavement. The lack of sidewalks along the eastern side of the roadway also minimizes the effectiveness of this landing area. Additional amenities such as shelters or shade trees can reduce exposure to the sun and inclement weather, improving the experience of using transit in Apollo Beach. Figure 17 shows indices for multimodal accessibility and barriers in Apollo Beach. Areas in along US 41 and Apollo Beach Boulevard have moderate transit accessibility. Other areas in Apollo Beach have low transit accessibility, consistent with a longer walking time to bus stops.
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