On August 1, 2015, Muskegon Area Transit System’s (MATS) Downtown Herman Ivory Transfer Terminal will reopen to the public after an extensive renovation and expansion. Construction on the site started last November and operations were temporarily relocated to the Masonic Lodge on Clay. Normal operations will resume at the 351 Morris Avenue location on Saturday.
First constructed in 1989/90, the Herman Ivory Transfer Terminal serves as the local Greyhound ticketing station and the primary MATS bus route connection point. When initially constructed, the transit center was adjacent to the downtown Muskegon Mall. As such, there was minimal room available for the transit center and related bus movements, and little need for extensive restroom facilities, which could be found in the public areas of the mall.
Last year, the county of Muskegon purchased two parcels of property to allow for an increase in the size, functionality and amenities of the center. The renovated transit center now occupies one-half of a city block along Morris Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets. The site includes: improved, bus-only circulation and loading bay areas — making the appropriate route buses easier to locate; an expanded, separate automobile parking area for staff and Greyhound customers; pedestrian walkways; landscaped plaza areas; and outdoor transit patron waiting areas. Indoors, the renovated facility features greatly expanded and enhanced restrooms, comfortable customer waiting areas, new employee areas, a customer care area with ticket counter for local and intercity ticketing/pass needs, and amenities to make the customer experience more enjoyable.
With the ongoing transformation of downtown Muskegon, this renovated facility positions MATS to contribute transportation services for a more densely developed and walkable downtown. It also positions the system to be an active participant in issues affecting downtown businesses and property owners.
