Is this bus shelter OK?

After a man posted a picture of a makeshift, graffiti-covered bus shelter on Riverside Drive, the agency that runs the bus system promised it will be taken down - and the agency will review all shelters.

The bus shelter, which is a cinder block bench with a wood overhang, was called an "embarrassment" by one board member.

Over-the-Rhine resident Mark Manley posted the picture on Facebook Monday night, prompting a slew of comments.

He is happy SORTA was paying attention. but told The Enquirer Tuesday: "I would like to think the response isn't to tear it down; I would like to think we can do better."

"Somebody might be using it so tearing it down actually makes it worse," Manley said. "At least it's something when it's raining or snowing."

On Facebook, regular bus rider Cam Hardy commented: "A makeshift cover to prevent people from the elements. Wow. Is this the best we can for bus riders as a city? Ain't no way .. our elected leaders are riding the bus."

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Board member Maurice Brown saw the social media post, drove out to take a look and then addressed the issue at Tuesday's board meeting.

"This is a total embarrassment for a bus stop to look like this," Brown said. "There are dog houses built better than this bus stop." The shelter was not built by SORTA or approved by SORTA.

The issue comes as the city has been criticized by some bus riders for removing bus benches that don't meet standards in the war against blight. Riders want -- and in many cases need -- benches, but there simply isn't enough money to put shelters at every stop.

SORTA CEO Dwight Ferrell pledged a look at all shelters. He added SORTA's bus shelter contract comes up for consideration this spring.

As for this bench, SORTA Chief Operating Officer Darryl Haley said the agency has contacted the City of Cincinnati to remove it.

"We’re going to get that moved," he said. "We have standards."

Board Member Gwen Robinson weighed in, shaking her head, "Wherever our stops are, we need to make sure they represent us."

Added Board member Ron Mosby, "It creates a perception. People see whatever this is, this contraption, and think it’s a METRO bus stop. We need to think about our stops."