Thanks to the artistic skills of a mysterious do-gooder, some commuters can wait for the bus with some comfort and a smile.

Four colorful benches appeared at four different Island Transit bus stops last week, but the identity of the generous creator remains unknown.

“BusStopBenches,” reads a silver plaque on the wooden surface. “Welcome!”

Three of the benches are on the South End, while a fourth one is located at Heller Street in Oak Harbor. The bus stops lack seating and are only marked by a pole, so people waiting for their ride can only wait standing, which is likely what inspired the gift.

Island Transit Acting Executive Director Craig Cyr believes the benches are an example of local community support.

“Such a wonderful gift to the community,” he wrote in a text.

Cyr and Selene Muldowney-Stratton — Island Transit’s marketing and communications officer — said the company would like to meet the creator to thank them.

While Island Transit has no intention of removing the benches already in place, Muldowney-Stratton said it would be good to have a collaborative conversation about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as “ADA.”

The benches, she said, need to have a backrest and a certain width to be in compliance.

“If they are able to modify the existing ones — great,” she wrote in a text. “Otherwise (for) any new benches we would greatly appreciate the ADA style.”

She assured the artist is not in any trouble, and that if they wish to remain anonymous, Island Transit won’t reveal their identity.

“This is the cutest thing in the world,” she said. “They’re obviously people who are very kind-hearted, and they care about the community.”

Muldowney-Stratton said Island Transit has been working on installing seating at every bus stop, a process that takes materials, permits and time.

Additionally, the company plans to update its shelters, which have been getting old, and to install artsy shelters that reflect the local communities. In September, community members can vote on different design options, Muldowney-Stratton said. Local artists and students from the different school districts can also contribute with some artwork to display at each shelter.

For updates, follow Island Transit on Facebook or visit islandtransit.org.

A red and yellow Island Transit bus bench stands at Heller Street in Oak Harbor. (Photo by Caitlyn Anderson)

Last week, four artsy benches appeared at four different bus stops on Whidbey Island. (Photo by Caitlyn Anderson)