Government

Boston seeks expanded sidewalk amenities in advertising contract

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September 18, 2026

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Boston is requesting proposals for a new street furniture contract that would exchange sidewalk advertising rights for the installation and maintenance of public amenities, according to a Streetsblog Mass report. The agreement would replace the city's contract with JCDecaux, which has managed hundreds of bus shelters, information kiosks and several public restrooms since 2001. The current contract expires May 1, 2027.

The city wants the next contractor to install more than 500 additional bus shelters and provide real-time transit information at every shelter. The request also seeks designs and pricing for 40 shade structures, expanded green roofs, sheltered bicycle parking, more public benches and temporary modular amenities for major events, construction projects and MBTA service disruptions. Boston is also interested in additional digital displays and fewer traditional newsstands.

JCDecaux currently pays Boston a fixed annual fee of $1.5 million plus a share of local advertising revenue, providing the city with $2.7 million in 2025. Six outdoor advertising companies expressed interest during an earlier information-gathering process. Proposals are due Nov. 4, and Boston plans to choose a preferred contractor by Dec. 16.