Blue Water Area Transit invites the public to attend the Grand Opening of the new transit center on Dec. 11. The center is located between McMorran Boulevard and Grand River Avenue, east of Erie Street and is designed to help maintain BWAT’s on-time performance and improve downtown bus transfer convenience and comfort. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in the new center.
“We are pleased to introduce this new facility, which will significantly improve our patron services, providing restrooms and other amenities,” said Jim Wilson, BWAT general manager. “The center is centrally located between the community college, the senior center, and the McMorran entertainment complex.”
Adjacent parking areas have been repaved, sidewalks have been made wider, and walkways have been added to cross McMorran Avenue.
The first official bus transfer is expected to take place at 12:15 p.m., with riders boarding buses headed from downtown to destinations along seven routes that travel throughout the city of Port Huron, Port Huron Township, Fort Gratiot Township, and more.
The new BWAT center’s two buildings, measuring 7,400 square feet, replace the Quay Street transfer point. Other amenities that will improve the passenger experience include heated waiting areas, ticket vending machines, and bus schedule displays. A convenience store operated by Community Mental Health will also open in the spring. The store will provide retail for the public and a training space for CMH.
The number of passengers riding BWAT buses has increased at a record-breaking pace since 2008, when the agency’s monthly ridership record was broken for the first time in 27 years. Since then, BWAT has continued to set new ridership records each year.
“When more people ride the bus, it helps reduce congestion -- and air pollution -- for those who travel along roads in their vehicles,” says Linda Bruckner, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board chair and Fort Gratiot Township trustee.
“We are looking forward to giving our passengers a convenient and comfortable place where they can transfer buses,” adds Anita R. Ashford, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board vice chair and Port Huron City Council member.
Stevens Architects LLC, of Port Huron, along with Aecom, designed the project. DeMaria Construction, of Detroit, is managing the project.
The design reflects the transit agency’s continued commitment to energy-efficient strategies. For example, heaters that will keep waiting areas warm for passengers will also keep sidewalks free of snow in the winter.
To date, the project has awarded $7.65 million to Michigan contractors, with $3.27 million awarded to St. Clair County contractors.
“We have awarded six local contractors,” explained Dave Frasier, BWAT director of procurement and capital projects. “Raymond Excavating, Sherman Nursery, AIS Paving, Edward J. Painting, Zimmer Roofing, and Stevenson Electric.”
In addition to transit agency funds, 70 percent of the project is supported by federal funds and 17.5 percent by state funds.
A community that makes public transportation a priority benefits in many ways. According to Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, “Public transportation is a vital resource to Americans, and a cornerstone of our nation’s economy. On top of individual financial savings, public transportation spurs economic growth for towns and cities, and also improves the environment and reduces our nation’s energy consumption.”
