Countdown is On — RTS Transit Center Opens in 100 Days

In 100 days, the long awaited RTS Transit Center will open its doors to the Greater Rochester community. The building which spans an entire block between St. Paul Street and Clinton Avenue is now 92 percent complete.

“While the exterior looks nearly finished, we will be very busy in the weeks ahead,” said Miguel Velazquez, the authority’s chief information officer in charge of the transit center project.  “In addition to the interior finishings, information technology and operational systems are being installed and tested, and staff training will continue to ensure a smooth opening.”

Downtown residents and visitors will start to see RTS bus operators maneuver RTS buses in and out of the Transit Center’s 26 indoor and four outdoor bays as they begin on-site training exercises this week.  Training will continue for the next few months.

A significant leap forward for public transit

The RTS Transit Center will help RTS transition from an outdated model and routing system to a highly efficient one that will provide service where and when customers need it most. Customers will able to board and transfer buses in the 87,000 square foot climate-controlled facility—with easy access to staffed information desks, ticket vending machines, rest rooms, bike racks, round-the-clock security, and more.

One of 32 downtown development projects that are planned or underway, according to the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, RTS joins the national trend of urban core revival.