Station improvements: MVTA, TransLink, city of Wichita, Kan.

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), TransLink in Vancouver, B.C., and the city of Wichita, Kan., are investing in improvements to transit stations throughout its cities to benefit the communities they serve. 

MVTA 

MVTA has secured $950,000 in federal funding to provide electrical charging amenities and improvements at Rosemount Transit Station (RTS) and 157 St. Station in Rosemont, Minn. MVTA is planning to install four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and one pantograph charging station for transit buses at transit stations. 

The RTS electrification project will provide new electric charging amenities and improvements that will enhance the sustainability, safety and appeal of RTS to current and future riders. MVTA says the updates will make the stations a more attractive place for riders that own or use an electric vehicle while working toward the agency’s Zero Emission Bus initiatives. 

The federal funding for the project was supported by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2), U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), who have been involved with securing federal funding for projects benefiting communities through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending.” 

“This project is in alignment with the goals identified in MVTA’s Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2023, as well as a market analysis and review of electric vehicle charging infrastructure that occurred at each MVTA facility,” said MVTA Senior Transit Planner Grace Almeida.  “The review included internal and external factors, including parking supply, ridership/parking counts by facility, charging needs, charging infrastructure gaps across the south metro, land use and travel behaviors.” 

According to MVTA, at the time of proposal submission, there was only one existing charger location in the city of Rosemount and one charger location in Apple Valley. Engagement and outreach efforts as a part of the plan development also found that more than 75 percent of rider respondents indicated interest in purchasing an EV for their next car.  

“As we look to modernize and transition our transportation system to one that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, this electrification will help us meet sustainability goals,” said MVTA CEO Luther Wynder. 

The city of Rosemount is projected to have nearly 13,000 new residents and 6,000 new jobs by 2040. 

“Vehicles and buses that do not have tailpipe emissions greatly reduce air pollution,” Wynder said. “In this way, investing in electrification supports all those in the community and particularly the people who utilize and depend on transit the most.”   

TransLink 

TransLink opened a newly upgraded Phibbs Exchange on May 6. The upgraded Phibbs Exchange will provide more space, improved lighting and better shelter for North Shore transit customers. The overhaul modernizes the space, improves access to and from the exchange, expands capacity and improves safety. 

Phibbs Exchange is a key transfer point for North Shore residents and Capilano University students. The exchange is home to 13 bus routes, with more than 5,000 customers who use the exchange on an average weekday. 

Completed improvements includes: 

• 13 new bus bays with more space for customers 
• A new multi-use pathway for better bike and pedestrian access to the exchange 
• A new rain garden to modernize the space and improve drainage 
• Better lighting for improved safety 
• Seven new bike lockers and new bike racks 
• New commercial retail space 
• Improved bus stop shelters and more seating 
• Upgraded design to accommodate the R2 RapidBus  

The C$32 million (US$23.4 million) investment was paid for by the government of British Columbia, the government of Canada and the District of North Vancouver. 

“People can connect to school, work and their communities better with the improvements made to Phibbs Exchange. Along with Indigenous art, the transit hub will feature rider amenities that will make the transit experience seamless. Building transportation infrastructure that combines convenience and creative makes our communities stronger,” said British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming. 

The upgrade was made possible by capital investments in TransLink’s 2018 Investment Plan.  

 “These upgrades bring much-needed improvements and modernization to Phibbs Exchange and provide an enhanced experience for transit riders on the North Shore. Traffic and transportation issues are top of mind for our community and upgrades like these make it easier and more comfortable for residents to choose transit and to access services like the R2 RapidBus,” said District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little.  

“As an access point for the R2 RapidBus and a future home for the Metrotown – North Shore BRT corridor, Phibbs Exchange is an incredibly important part of our transit network. The exchange is more than 50 years old and we have now proudly modernized the space to benefit customers for decades. We look forward to future investments in our transit system like this one, as we work with our government partners to find a new sustainable funding model,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink. 

City of Wichita 

The city of Wichita is accepting bids for the construction phase of its multimodal center, The Hub, which will be located in Delano. In 2020, the Wichita City Council approved $19.2 million for design, infrastructure and utility work, construction of the center and project management. In 2021, the city council approved a contract with TranSystems for the design of The Hub. 

Proposals for the construction phase must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, through the city’s Vendor Self Service website.