The city of Santa Clarita broke ground on the new Vista Canyon Bus Transfer Station, a seven-bay bus station located in eastern Santa Clarita that complements Santa Clarita Transit’s existing McBean Regional Transit Center, which collectively serves more than 2128,000 residents throughout the third-largest Los Angeles County city.
The project ties into the larger Vista Canyon development, which is currently under construction by Vista Canyon Development, LLC. Much like the transit-oriented Vista Canyon project, the transit center represents an ongoing public-private partnership made possible from contributions from the developer, in addition to local and regional stakeholders.
Los Angeles County Metro Board Director Ara Najarian emphasized the significance of the development, noting that Vista Canyon was ranked the top project out of dozens of submittals in a 2013 Call for Projects grant. Vista Canyon is the result of a community-involved effort that focused on creating a transformative mixed-use development. In addition to the Bus Transfer Station, Vista Canyon includes a Metrolink rail station which will provide a key connection both into and out of Santa Clarita. The project also includes more than 1,100 single- and multi-family residences, 646,000-square feet of office space, 164,000-square feet of commercial/retail and a 200-room hotel.
“Vista Canyon’s ideal location makes it easy to get around the Santa Clarita Valley and other destinations by bike, rail or bus,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth. “The Transit Center and rail station will significantly improve both local and regional transportation infrastructure by serving as a hub for commuter rail, as well as local and commuter transit. The project also connects cyclists to 47 miles of scenic trails, making the development a key cycling destination that will enhance the surrounding community. “
The recent groundbreaking ceremony comes just months after the city adopted its most recent Transit Development Plan update. The plan outlines key recommendations to enhance Santa Clarita Transit’s services over the next five to 10 years. Notable enhancements include increased bus frequency along Soledad Canyon Road, as well as commuter bus routes in eastern Santa Clarita, which are made possible with the addition of the Vista Canyon Bus Transfer Center.
“Santa Clarita Transit staff is eager to bring service into Vista Canyon and is already outlining a phased implementation as the overall development nears completion,” said Santa Clarita Administrative Analyst Alex Porlier.
