The Phoenix Public Transit Department invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the new Desert Sky Transit Center in west Phoenix at 10 a.m. on Dec. 5 before it officially opens for service the following week.
The event features a presentation from Councilman Michael Nowakowski, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a chance to tour the center and a Rapid bus.
“The new transit center is a state-of-the-art facility that brings improved safety and convenience for bus riders into the heart of Maryvale,” Councilman Michael Nowakowski said. “This community is one of the biggest users of our bus system and this new facility will serve more than 140,000 people a year for years to come.”
The new transit center, comfortably close to the existing facility, is located at 79th Avenue and Thomas Road. The center features many significant upgrades over the current Desert Sky Mall facility aimed at improving the overall bus rider experience, including:
- Spacious covered seating and waiting areas
- Three digital information kiosks
- Three digital information kiosks
- Drinking fountains
- Covered parking
- Bike racks and bike lockers
- Drinking fountains
- Covered parking
Assigned bus stalls for each route that services the center, including:
- Route 29 – Thomas Road
- Route 75 – 75th Avenue
- Route 83 – 83rd Avenue
- I-10 West Rapid
- Mary – neighborhood circulator
- Route 685 – Ajo/Gila Bend to Phoenix connector
In addition, the new center features Desert Rose, an installation featuring a bus shelter and other architectural details by local artist Mary Lucking. The artwork, which draws its inspiration from the movement of clouds, was created through the Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture’s public art program.
Construction on the facility began in February using Maricopa County transportation sales tax and federal funds.
